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Notice

The Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) rulemaking has concluded. The PROWAG final rule has been published in the Federal Register. Please visit the Access Board’s PROWAG page for the guidelines.

Architectural Barriers Act

Accessibility Standards

F201 Application

F201.1 Scope.  All areas of newly designed and newly constructed buildings and facilities and altered or leased portions of existing buildings and facilities shall comply with these requirements.

Advisory F201.1 Scope.  The requirements are to be applied to all areas of a facility unless exempted, or where scoping limits the number of multiple elements required to be accessible.  For example, not all medical care patient rooms are required to be accessible; those that are not required to be accessible are not required to comply with these requirements.  However, common use and public use spaces such as recovery rooms, examination rooms, and cafeterias are not exempt from these requirements and must be accessible.

F201.2 Application Based on Building or Facility Use.  Where a site, building, facility, room, or space contains more than one use, each portion shall comply with the applicable requirements for that use.

F201.3 Temporary and Permanent Structures.  These requirements shall apply to temporary and permanent buildings and facilities.

Advisory F201.3 Temporary and Permanent Structures.  Temporary buildings or facilities covered by these requirements include, but are not limited to, reviewing stands, temporary classrooms, bleacher areas, stages, platforms and daises, fixed furniture systems, wall systems, and exhibit areas, temporary banking facilities, and temporary health screening facilities.  Structures and equipment directly associated with the actual processes of construction are not required to be accessible as permitted in F203.3.

F201.4 Requirements Apply to Facilities Constructed or Altered by or on Behalf of Federal Agencies.   The requirements in F216.13, F244 through F248, and 1011 through 1019 shall apply only to facilities constructed or altered by federal agencies or by non-federal entities on federal land on behalf of federal agencies pursuant to a concession contract, partnership agreement, or similar arrangement.

F201.4.1 Documentation and Notification When Exceptions Used for Trails and Beach Access Routes.  Federal agencies shall document the basis for not fully complying with a specific provision in 1017 or 1018 on a portion of a trail or beach access route based on Exception 1 in 1017 or Exception 1 in 1018, and shall maintain the documentation with the records for the trail or beach project. Federal agencies shall notify the Access Board if an entire trail is exempted from complying with 1017 based on Exception 2 in 1017.1, and if a beach access route is not provided based on Exception 2 in 1018.1.

Advisory F201.4.1 Documentation and Notification When Exceptions Used for Trails and Beach Access Routes. Forms for notifying the Access Board if an entire trail is exempted from complying with 1017 based on Exception 2 in 1017.1, and if a beach access route is not provided based on Exception 2 in 1018.1 are available at: www.access-board.gov.

F202 Existing Buildings and Facilities

F202.1 General.  Additions and alterations to existing buildings or facilities, including leased buildings or facilities, shall comply with F202.

F202.2 Additions.  Each addition to an existing building or facility shall comply with the requirements for new construction.

F202.2.1 Accessible Route.  At least one accessible route shall be provided within the site from accessible parking spaces and accessible passenger loading zones; public streets and sidewalks; and public transportation stops to an accessible entrance serving the addition.  If the only accessible entrances serving the addition are provided in the existing building or facility, the accessible route shall connect at least one existing entrance to all accessible spaces and elements within the addition.  In addition, elements and spaces specified in F202.2.2 through F202.2.5 shall be on an accessible route.

F202.2.2 Entrance.  Where an entrance is not provided in an addition, at least one entrance in the existing building or facility shall comply with F206.4 and shall serve the addition.

F202.2.3 Toilet and Bathing Facilities.  Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are not provided in an addition but are provided in the existing building or facility to serve the addition, the toilet facilities and bathing facilities shall comply with F202.2.3.

EXCEPTION:  In alterations to areas serving additions where it is technically infeasible to comply with 603, altering existing toilet or bathing rooms is not required where a single unisex toilet room or bathing room complying with F213.2.1 is provided to serve the addition.

F202.2.3.1 Existing Toilet Facility.  Where existing toilet facilities are provided in the existing building or facility, at least one toilet facility for men and at least one toilet facility for women shall comply with F213.2 and F213.3 and shall serve the addition.

EXCEPTION:  Where only one toilet facility is provided in the existing building or facility, one toilet facility shall comply with F213.2 and F213.3 and shall serve the addition.

F202.2.3.2 Existing Bathing Facility.  Where existing bathing facilities are provided in the existing building or facility, at least one bathing facility for men and at least one bathing facility for women shall comply with F213.2 and F213.3 and shall serve the addition.

EXCEPTION:  Where only one bathing facility is provided in the existing building or facility, one bathing facility shall comply with F213.2 and F213.3 and shall serve the addition.

F202.2.4 Public Telephone.  Where a public telephone is not provided in an addition but is provided in the existing building or facility to serve the addition, at least one public telephone in the existing building or facility shall comply with F217.

F202.2.5 Drinking Fountain.  Where a drinking fountain is not provided in an addition but is provided in the existing building or facility to serve the addition, at least one drinking fountain in the existing building or facility shall comply with 602.1 through 602.6.

F202.3 Alterations.  Where existing elements or spaces are altered, each altered element or space shall comply with the applicable requirements of Chapter 2.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Unless required by F202.4, where elements or spaces are altered and the circulation path to the altered element or space is not altered, an accessible route shall not be required.

2.  In alterations, where compliance with applicable requirements is technically infeasible, the alteration shall comply with the requirements to the maximum extent feasible.

3.  Residential dwelling units not required to be accessible in compliance with a standard issued pursuant to the Architectural Barriers Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, shall not be required to comply with F202.3.

4. Where elements or spaces are altered in camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, or trailheads and the circulation path to the altered element or space is not altered, the circulation path shall not be required to comply with 1016.

Advisory F202.3 Alterations.  Although covered entities are permitted to limit the scope of an alteration to individual elements, the alteration of multiple elements within a room or space may provide a cost-effective opportunity to make the entire room or space accessible.  Any elements or spaces of the building or facility that are required to comply with these requirements must be made accessible within the scope of the alteration, to the maximum extent feasible.  If providing accessibility in compliance with these requirements for people with one type of disability (e.g., people who use wheelchairs) is not feasible, accessibility must still be provided in compliance with the requirements for people with other types of disabilities (e.g., people who have hearing impairments or who have vision impairments) to the extent that such accessibility is feasible.

F202.3.1 Prohibited Reduction in Access.  An alteration that decreases or has the effect of decreasing the accessibility of a building or facility below the requirements for new construction at the time of the alteration is prohibited.

F202.3.2 Extent of Application.  An alteration of an existing element, space, or area of a building or facility shall not impose a requirement for accessibility greater than required for new construction.

F202.4 Alterations Affecting Primary Function Areas.  In addition to the requirements of F202.3, an alteration that affects or could affect the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function shall be made so as to ensure that, to the maximum extent feasible, the path of travel to the altered area, including the rest rooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area, are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless such alterations are disproportionate to the overall alterations in terms of cost and scope as determined under criteria established by the Administrator of the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, or the United States Postal Service.

EXCEPTIONS:  1. Residential dwelling units shall not be required to comply with F202.4.

2. Camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, trailheads, trails, and beach access routes shall not be required to comply with F202.4.

Advisory F202.4 Alterations Affecting Primary Function Areas.  An area of a building or facility containing a major activity for which the building or facility is intended is a primary function area.  There can be multiple areas containing a primary function in a single building.  Primary function areas are not limited to public use areas.  For example, both a bank lobby and the bank's employee areas such as the teller areas and walk-in safe are primary function areas.  Also, mixed use facilities may include numerous primary function areas for each use.  Areas containing a primary function do not include: mechanical rooms, boiler rooms, supply storage rooms, employee lounges or locker rooms, janitorial closets, entrances, corridors, or restrooms.

F202.5 Alterations to Qualified Historic Buildings and Facilities.  Alterations to a qualified historic building or facility shall comply with F202.3 and F202.4.

EXCEPTION:  Where the State Historic Preservation Officer or Advisory Council on Historic Preservation determines that compliance with the requirements for accessible routes, entrances, or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, the exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities for that element shall be permitted to apply.

Advisory F202.5 Alterations to Qualified Historic Buildings and Facilities Exception.  Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires that a Federal agency with jurisdiction over a proposed Federal or federally assisted undertaking consider the effect of the action on buildings and facilities listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places prior to approving the expenditure of any Federal funds.  The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has established procedures for Federal agencies to meet this statutory responsibility.  See 36 CFR Part 800.  The procedures require Federal agencies to consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer, and provide for involvement by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in certain cases.  There are exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings and facilities for accessible routes (F206.2.1 Exception 1 and F206.2.3 Exception 6); entrances (F206.4 Exception 2); and toilet facilities (F213.2 Exception 2).  These exceptions apply only when the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation agrees that compliance with requirements for the specific element would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility.

The AccessAbility Office at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) provides a variety of resources for museum operators and historic properties including:  the Design for Accessibility Guide and the Disability Symbols.  Contact NEA about these and other resources at 202-682-5532 or www.arts.gov.

F202.6 Leases.  Buildings or facilities for which new leases are negotiated by the Federal government after the effective date of the revised standards issued pursuant to the Architectural Barriers Act, including new leases for buildings or facilities previously occupied by the Federal government, shall comply with F202.6.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Buildings or facilities leased for use by officials servicing disasters on a temporary, emergency basis shall not be required to comply with F202.6.

2.  Buildings or facilities leased for 12 months or less shall not be required to comply with F202.6 provided that the lease may not be extended or renewed.

F202.6.1 Joint Use Areas.  Joint use areas serving the leased space shall comply with F202.6.

EXCEPTION:  Alterations and additions to joint use areas serving the leased space shall not be required to comply with F202.2, F202.3, and F202.5 provided that the alterations are not undertaken by or on behalf of the Federal government.

Advisory F202.6.1 Joint Use Areas Exception.  When negotiating a lease, ensure that joint use areas are accessible. Inaccessible joint use areas may prevent access to and from leased space.

F202.6.2 Accessible Route.  Primary function areas, as defined by Administrator of the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the United States Postal Service, shall be served by at least one accessible route complying with F206.  Elements and spaces required to be accessible by F202.6 shall be on an accessible route complying with F206.

EXCEPTION:  Fire alarms required by F202.6.5.2 and assistive listening systems required by F202.6.5.5 shall not be required to be on an accessible route.

F202.6.3 Toilet and Bathing Facilities.  Where provided, toilet facilities and bathing facilities shall comply with F202.6.3.

F202.6.3.1 Multiple Facilities.  At least one toilet facility or bathing facility for each sex on each floor that has toilet facilities or bathing facilities shall comply with F213.2 and F213.3.

F202.6.3.2 Single Facilities.  Where only one toilet or bathing facility is provided in a building or facility for each sex, either one unisex toilet or bathing facility, or one toilet or bathing facility for each sex, shall comply with F213.2 and F213.3.

F202.6.4 Parking.  Parking shall comply with F208.

F202.6.5 Other Elements and Spaces.  Where provided, the following elements and spaces shall comply with F202.6.5.

F202.6.5.1 Drinking Fountains.  Drinking fountains shall comply with F211.

F202.6.5.2 Fire Alarms.  Fire alarms shall comply with F215.

EXCEPTION:  Fire alarms shall not be required to comply with 702 where existing power sources must be upgraded to meet the requirement.

F202.6.5.3 Public Telephones.  Public telephones shall comply with F217.

F202.6.5.4 Dining Surfaces and Work Surfaces.  Dining surfaces and work surfaces shall comply with F226.

F202.6.5.5 Assembly Areas.  Assistive listening systems shall comply with F219 and assembly seating shall comply with F221.

F202.6.5.6 Sales and Service Counters.  Sales and service counters shall comply with F227.

F202.6.5.7 Depositories, Vending Machines, Change Machines, and Mail Boxes.  Depositories, vending machines, change machines, and mail boxes shall comply with F228.

F202.6.5.8 Residential Dwelling Units. Residential dwelling units, other than emergency transportable housing units, shall comply with F233.

F202.6.5.9 Emergency Transportable Housing Units with Mobility Features. Where emergency transportable housing units are installed on existing commercial sites, entities shall provide emergency transportable housing units with mobility features complying with 809.2 as determined by a needs assessment conducted by the entity providing the emergency transportable housing units.

F202.6.5.10 Emergency Transportable Housing Units with Communication Features. Where emergency transportable housing units are installed on existing commercial sites, entities shall provide emergency transportable housing units with residential dwelling unit smoke alarms complying with 809.3.1 and, where weather alert systems are provided, with weather alert systems complying with 809.3.4 as determined by a needs assessment conducted by the entity providing the emergency transportable housing units.

F203 General Exceptions

F203.1 General.  Sites, buildings, facilities, and elements are exempt from these requirements to the extent specified by F203.

F203.2 Existing Elements.  Elements in compliance with an earlier standard issued pursuant to the Architectural Barriers Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended shall not be required to comply with these requirements unless altered.

Advisory F203.2 Existing Elements.  The exception at F203.2 does not obviate or limit in any way a federal agency's obligation to provide reasonable accommodations pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Federal employees with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in the workplace.  Such accommodations may include modifications to workstations or to other areas of the workplace, including the common areas such as toilet rooms, meeting rooms, or break rooms.  Reasonable accommodations are always provided on a case-by-case basis and are specific to the unique needs of a person.  As such, an accommodation may be consistent with, or depart from, the specific technical requirements of this, or any other, document.

In addition, the exception at F203.2 provides that compliance with an earlier standard issued under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act satisfies the requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act; the exception does not obviate or limit a Federal agency's authority to enforce requirements issued pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, including requirements for making reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures, or making structural changes to facilities in order to make a program or activity accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.

F203.3 Construction Sites.  Structures and sites directly associated with the actual processes of construction, including but not limited to, scaffolding, bridging, materials hoists, materials storage, and construction trailers shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.  Portable toilet units provided for use exclusively by construction personnel on a construction site shall not be required to comply with F213 or to be on an accessible route.

F203.4 Raised Areas.  Areas raised primarily for purposes of security, life safety, or fire safety, including but not limited to, observation or lookout galleries, prison guard towers, fire towers, or life guard stands shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

F203.5 Limited Access Spaces.  Spaces accessed only by ladders, catwalks, crawl spaces, or very narrow passageways shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

F203.6 Machinery Spaces.  Spaces frequented only by service personnel for maintenance, repair, or occasional monitoring of equipment shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.  Machinery spaces include, but are not limited to, elevator pits or elevator penthouses; mechanical, electrical or communications equipment rooms; piping or equipment catwalks; water or sewage treatment pump rooms and stations; electric substations and transformer vaults; and highway and tunnel utility facilities.

F203.7 Single Occupant Structures.  Single occupant structures accessed only by passageways below grade or elevated above standard curb height, including but not limited to, toll booths that are accessed only by underground tunnels, shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

F203.8 Detention and Correctional Facilities.  In detention and correctional facilities, common use areas that are used only by inmates or detainees and security personnel and that do not serve holding cells or housing cells required to comply with F232, shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

F203.9 Residential Facilities. In facilities with residential dwelling units, common use areas that do not serve residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 or emergency transportable housing unit pads designed and constructed to accept the installation of units with mobility features complying with 809.2 shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

F203.10 Raised Refereeing, Judging, and Scoring Areas.  Raised structures used solely for refereeing, judging, or scoring a sport shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

F203.11 Water Slides.  Water slides shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

F203.12 Animal Containment Areas.  Animal containment areas that are not for public use shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

Advisory F203.12 Animal Containment Areas.  Public circulation routes where animals may travel, such as in petting zoos and passageways alongside animal pens in State fairs, are not eligible for the exception.

F203.13 Raised Boxing or Wrestling Rings.  Raised boxing or wrestling rings shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

F203.14 Raised Diving Boards and Diving Platforms.  Raised diving boards and diving platforms shall not be required to comply with these requirements or to be on an accessible route.

F204 Protruding Objects

F204.1 General.  Protruding objects on circulation paths shall comply with 307.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Within areas of sport activity, protruding objects on circulation paths shall not be required to comply with 307.

2.  Within play areas, protruding objects on circulation paths shall not be required to comply with 307 provided that ground level accessible routes provide vertical clearance in compliance with 1008.2.

F205 Operable Parts

F205.1 General.  Operable parts on accessible elements, accessible routes, and in accessible rooms and spaces shall comply with 309.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Operable parts that are intended for use only by service or maintenance personnel shall not be required to comply with 309.

2.  Electrical or communication receptacles serving a dedicated use shall not be required to comply with 309.

3.  Except within emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2, where two or more outlets are provided in a kitchen above a length of counter top that is uninterrupted by a sink or appliance, one outlet shall not be required to comply with 309.

4.  Floor electrical receptacles shall not be required to comply with 309.

5.  HVAC diffusers shall not be required to comply with 309.

6.  Except for light switches, where redundant controls are provided for a single element, one control in each space shall not be required to comply with 309.

7.  Cleats and other boat securement devices shall not be required to comply with 309.3.

8.  Exercise machines and exercise equipment shall not be required to comply with 309.

9. Operable parts located within residential dwelling units not required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 and transient lodging guest rooms not required to provide mobility features complying with 806.2 shall not be required to comply with 309.

10. In emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2, operable parts located beneath the unit body shall not be required to comply with 309.

11. Water shut-off valves shall not be required to comply with 309.

Advisory F205.1 General.  Controls covered by F205.1 include, but are not limited to, light switches, circuit breakers, duplexes and other convenience receptacles, environmental and appliance controls, plumbing fixture controls, and security and intercom systems.

F206 Accessible Routes

F206.1 General.  Accessible routes shall be provided in accordance with F206 and shall comply with Chapter 4 except that the exemptions at 403.5, 405.5, and 405.8 shall not apply.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Accessible routes shall not be required where outdoor recreation access routes are provided at camping facilities in accordance with F244.5, picnic facilities in accordance with F245.4, viewing areas in accordance with F246.3, or trailheads in accordance with F247.3.2.

2.  Accessible routes shall not be required where camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, or outdoor constructed features are provided on trails.

3.  Accessible routes shall not be required where beach access routes are provided in accordance with F248.

F206.2 Where Required.  Accessible routes shall be provided where required by F206.2.

F206.2.1 Site Arrival Points.  At least one accessible route shall be provided within the site from accessible parking spaces and accessible passenger loading zones; public streets and sidewalks; and public transportation stops to the accessible building or facility entrance they serve.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Where exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities are permitted by F202.5, no more than one accessible route from a site arrival point to an accessible entrance shall be required.

2.  An accessible route shall not be required between site arrival points and the building or facility entrance if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

Advisory F206.2.1 Site Arrival Points.  Each site arrival point must be connected by an accessible route to the accessible building entrance or entrances served.  Where two or more similar site arrival points, such as bus stops, serve the same accessible entrance or entrances, both bus stops must be on accessible routes.  In addition, the accessible routes must serve all of the accessible entrances on the site.

Advisory F206.2.1 Site Arrival Points Exception 2.  Access from site arrival points may include vehicular ways.  Where a vehicular way, or a portion of a vehicular way, is provided for pedestrian travel, such as within a shopping center or shopping mall parking lot, this exception does not apply.

F206.2.2 Within a Site.  At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements, and accessible spaces that are on the same site.

EXCEPTION:  An accessible route shall not be required between accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements and accessible spaces if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

Advisory F206.2.2 Within a Site.  An accessible route is required to connect to the boundary of each area of sport activity. Examples of areas of sport activity include: soccer fields, basketball courts, baseball fields, running tracks, skating rinks, and the area surrounding a piece of gymnastic equipment.  While the size of an area of sport activity may vary from sport to sport, each includes only the space needed to play.  Where multiple sports fields or courts are provided, an accessible route is required to each field or area of sport activity.

F206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities.  At least one accessible route shall connect each story and mezzanine in multi-story buildings and facilities.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Where a two story building or facility has one story with an occupant load of five or fewer persons that does not contain public use space, that story shall not be required to be connected to the story above or below.

2.  In detention and correctional facilities, an accessible route shall not be required to connect stories where cells with mobility features required to comply with 807.2, all common use areas serving cells with mobility features required to comply with 807.2, and all public use areas are on an accessible route.

3.  In facilities with residential dwelling units, an accessible route shall not be required to connect stories where residential dwelling units with mobility features required to comply with 809.2, all common use areas serving residential dwelling units with mobility features required to comply with 809.2, and public use areas serving residential dwelling units are on an accessible route.

4.  Within multi-story transient lodging guest rooms with mobility features required to comply with 806.2, an accessible route shall not be required to connect stories provided that spaces complying with 806.2 are on an accessible route and sleeping accommodations for two persons minimum are provided on a story served by an accessible route.

5.  In air traffic control towers, an accessible route shall not be required to serve the cab and the floor immediately below the cab.

6.  Where exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities are permitted by F202.5, an accessible route shall not be required to stories located above or below the accessible story.

Advisory F206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities.  Spaces and elements located on a level not required to be served by an accessible route must fully comply with this document.  While a mezzanine may be a change in level, it is not a story.  If an accessible route is required to connect stories within a building or facility, the accessible route must serve all mezzanines.

Advisory F206.2.3 Multi-Story Buildings and Facilities Exception 3.  Where common use areas are provided for the use of residents, it is presumed that all such common use areas "serve" accessible dwelling units unless use is restricted to residents occupying certain dwelling units.  For example, if all residents are permitted to use all laundry rooms, then all laundry rooms "serve" accessible dwelling units. However, if the laundry room on the first floor is restricted to use by residents on the first floor, and the second floor laundry room is for use by occupants of the second floor, then first floor accessible units are "served" only by laundry rooms on the first floor. In this example, an accessible route is not required to the second floor provided that all accessible units and all common use areas serving them are on the first floor.

F206.2.3.1 Stairs and Escalators in Existing Buildings.  In alterations and additions, where an escalator or stair is provided where none existed previously and major structural modifications are necessary for the installation, an accessible route shall be provided between the levels served by the escalator or stair unless exempted by F206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 6.

F206.2.4 Spaces and Elements.  At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility which are otherwise connected by a circulation path unless exempted by F206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 6.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Raised courtroom stations, including judges' benches, clerks' stations, bailiffs' stations, deputy clerks' stations, and court reporters' stations shall not be required to provide vertical access provided that the required clear floor space, maneuvering space, and, if appropriate, electrical service are installed at the time of initial construction to allow future installation of a means of vertical access complying with 405, 407, 408, or 410 without requiring substantial reconstruction of the space.

2.  In assembly areas with fixed seating required to comply with F221, an accessible route shall not be required to serve fixed seating where wheelchair spaces required to be on an accessible route are not provided.

3.  Accessible routes shall not be required to connect mezzanines where buildings or facilities have no more than one story.  In addition, accessible routes shall not be required to connect stories or mezzanines where multi-story buildings or facilities are exempted by F206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 6.

Advisory F206.2.4 Spaces and Elements.  Accessible routes must connect all spaces and elements required to be accessible including, but not limited to, raised areas and speaker platforms.

Advisory F206.2.4 Spaces and Elements Exception 1.  The exception does not apply to areas that are likely to be used by members of the public who are not employees of the court such as jury areas, attorney areas, or witness stands.

F206.2.5 Restaurants and Cafeterias.  In restaurants and cafeterias, an accessible route shall be provided to all dining areas, including raised or sunken dining areas, and outdoor dining areas.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  In alterations, an accessible route shall not be required to existing raised or sunken dining areas, or to all parts of existing outdoor dining areas where the same services and decor are provided in an accessible space usable by the public and not restricted to use by people with disabilities.

2.  In sports facilities, tiered dining areas providing seating required to comply with F221 shall be required to have accessible routes serving at least 25 percent of the dining area provided that accessible routes serve seating complying with F221 and each tier is provided with the same services.

Advisory F206.2.5 Restaurants and Cafeterias Exception 1.  Examples of "same services" include, but are not limited to, bar service, rooms having smoking and non-smoking sections, lotto and other table games, carry-out, and buffet service.  Examples of "same decor" include, but are not limited to, seating at or near windows and railings with views, areas designed with a certain theme, party and banquet rooms, and rooms where entertainment is provided.

F206.2.6 Performance Areas.  Where a circulation path directly connects a performance area to an assembly seating area, an accessible route shall directly connect the assembly seating area with the performance area.  An accessible route shall be provided from performance areas to ancillary areas or facilities used by performers unless exempted by F206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 6.

F206.2.7 Press Boxes.  Press boxes in assembly areas shall be on an accessible route.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  An accessible route shall not be required to press boxes in bleachers that have points of entry at only one level provided that the aggregate area of all press boxes is 500 square feet (46 m2) maximum.

2.  An accessible route shall not be required to free-standing press boxes that are elevated above grade 12 feet (3660 mm) minimum provided that the aggregate area of all press boxes is 500 square feet (46 m2) maximum.

Advisory F206.2.7 Press Boxes Exception 2.  Where a facility contains multiple assembly areas, the aggregate area of the press boxes in each assembly area is to be calculated separately.  For example, if a university has a soccer stadium with three press boxes elevated 12 feet (3660 mm) or more above grade and each press box is 150 square feet (14 m2), then the aggregate area of the soccer stadium press boxes is less than 500 square feet (465 m2) and Exception 2 applies to the soccer stadium.  If that same university also has a football stadium with two press boxes elevated 12 feet (3660 mm) or more above grade and one press box is 250 square feet (23 m2), and the second is 275 square feet (26 m2), then the aggregate area of the football stadium press boxes is more than 500 square feet (465 m2) and Exception 2 does not apply to the football stadium.

F206.2.8 Amusement Rides.  Amusement rides required to comply with F234 shall provide accessible routes in accordance with F206.2.8.  Accessible routes serving amusement rides shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1002.2.

F206.2.8.1 Load and Unload Areas.  Load and unload areas shall be on an accessible route.  Where load and unload areas have more than one loading or unloading position, at least one loading and unloading position shall be on an accessible route.

F206.2.8.2 Wheelchair Spaces, Ride Seats Designed for Transfer, and Transfer Devices.  When amusement rides are in the load and unload position, wheelchair spaces complying with 1002.4, amusement ride seats designed for transfer complying with 1002.5, and transfer devices complying with 1002.6 shall be on an accessible route.

F206.2.9 Recreational Boating Facilities.  Boat slips required to comply with F235.2 and boarding piers at boat launch ramps required to comply with F235.3 shall be on an accessible route.  Accessible routes serving recreational boating facilities shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1003.2.

F206.2.10 Bowling Lanes.  Where bowling lanes are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one of each type of bowling lane, shall be on an accessible route.

F206.2.11 Court Sports.  In court sports, at least one accessible route shall directly connect both sides of the court.

F206.2.12 Exercise Machines and Equipment.  Exercise machines and equipment required to comply with F236 shall be on an accessible route.

F206.2.13 Fishing Piers and Platforms.  Fishing piers and platforms shall be on an accessible route.  Accessible routes serving fishing piers and platforms shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1005.1.

F206.2.14 Golf Facilities.  At least one accessible route shall connect accessible elements and spaces within the boundary of the golf course.  In addition, accessible routes serving golf car rental areas; bag drop areas; course weather shelters complying with F238.2.3; course toilet rooms; and practice putting greens, practice teeing grounds, and teeing stations at driving ranges complying with F238.3 shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1006.2.

EXCEPTION:  Golf car passages complying with 1006.3 shall be permitted to be used for all or part of accessible routes required by F206.2.14.

F206.2.15 Miniature Golf Facilities.  Holes required to comply with F239.2, including the start of play, shall be on an accessible route.  Accessible routes serving miniature golf facilities shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1007.2.

F206.2.16 Play Areas.  Play areas shall provide accessible routes in accordance with F206.2.16.  Accessible routes serving play areas shall comply with Chapter 4 except as modified by 1008.2.

F206.2.16.1 Ground Level and Elevated Play Components.  At least one accessible route shall be provided within the play area.  The accessible route shall connect ground level play components required to comply with F240.2.1 and elevated play components required to comply with F240.2.2, including entry and exit points of the play components.

F206.2.16.2 Soft Contained Play Structures.  Where three or fewer entry points are provided for soft contained play structures, at least one entry point shall be on an accessible route.  Where four or more entry points are provided for soft contained play structures, at least two entry points shall be on an accessible route.

F206.3 Location.  Accessible routes shall coincide with or be located in the same area as general circulation paths.  Where circulation paths are interior, required accessible routes shall also be interior.

Advisory F206.3 Location.  The accessible route must be in the same area as the general circulation path.  This means that circulation paths, such as vehicular ways designed for pedestrian traffic, walks, and unpaved paths that are designed to be routinely used by pedestrians must be accessible or have an accessible route nearby.  Additionally, accessible vertical interior circulation must be in the same area as stairs and escalators, not isolated in the back of the facility.

F206.4 Entrances.  Entrances shall be provided in accordance with F206.4.  Entrance doors, doorways, and gates shall comply with 404 and shall be on an accessible route complying with 402.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Where an alteration includes alterations to an entrance, and the building or facility has another entrance complying with 404 that is on an accessible route, the altered entrance shall not be required to comply with F206.4 unless required by F202.4.

2.  Where exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities are permitted by F202.5, no more than one public entrance shall be required to comply with F206.4.  Where no public entrance can comply with F206.4 under criteria established in F202.5 Exception, then either an unlocked entrance not used by the public shall comply with F206.4; or a locked entrance complying with F206.4 with a notification system or remote monitoring shall be provided.

F206.4.1 Public Entrances.  In addition to entrances required by F206.4.2 through F206.4.9, at least 60 percent of all public entrances shall comply with 404.

F206.4.2 Parking Structure Entrances.  Where direct access is provided for pedestrians from a parking structure to a building or facility entrance, each direct access to the building or facility entrance shall comply with 404.

F206.4.3 Entrances from Tunnels or Elevated Walkways.  Where direct access is provided for pedestrians from a pedestrian tunnel or elevated walkway to a building or facility, at least one direct entrance to the building or facility from each tunnel or walkway shall comply with 404.

F206.4.4 Transportation Facilities.  In addition to the requirements of F206.4.2, F206.4.3, and F206.4.5 through F206.4.9, transportation facilities shall provide entrances in accordance with F206.4.4.

F206.4.4.1 Location.  In transportation facilities, where different entrances serve different transportation fixed routes or groups of fixed routes, at least one public entrance serving each fixed route or group of fixed routes shall comply with 404.

F206.4.4.2 Direct Connections.  Direct connections to other facilities shall provide an accessible route complying with 404 from the point of connection to boarding platforms and all transportation system elements required to be accessible.  Any elements provided to facilitate future direct connections shall be on an accessible route connecting boarding platforms and all transportation system elements required to be accessible.

F206.4.5 Tenant Spaces.  At least one accessible entrance to each tenancy in a facility shall comply with 404.

EXCEPTION: Self-service storage facilities not required to comply with F225.3 shall not be required to be on an accessible route.

F206.4.6 Residential Dwelling Unit Primary Entrance.  In residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2, at least one primary entrance shall comply with 404.  The primary entrance to a residential dwelling unit shall not be to a bedroom.

F206.4.7 Restricted Entrances.  Where restricted entrances are provided to a building or facility, at least one restricted entrance to the building or facility shall comply with 404.

F206.4.8 Service Entrances.  If a service entrance is the only entrance to a building or to a tenancy in a facility, that entrance shall comply with 404.

F206.4.9 Entrances for Inmates or Detainees.  Where entrances used only by inmates or detainees and security personnel are provided at judicial facilities, detention facilities, or correctional facilities, at least one such entrance shall comply with 404.

F206.5 Doors, Doorways, and Gates.  Doors, doorways, and gates providing user passage shall be provided in accordance with F206.5.

F206.5.1 Entrances.  Each entrance to a building or facility required to comply with F206.4 shall have at least one door, doorway, or gate complying with 404.

F206.5.2 Rooms and Spaces.  Within a building or facility, at least one door, doorway, or gate serving each room or space complying with these requirements shall comply with 404.

F206.5.3 Transient Lodging Facilities.  In transient lodging facilities, entrances, doors, and doorways providing user passage into and within guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with 806.2 shall comply with 404.2.3.

EXCEPTION:  Shower and sauna doors in guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with 806.2 shall not be required to comply with 404.2.3.

F206.5.4 Residential Dwelling Units.  In residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2, all doors and doorways providing user passage shall comply with 404.

F206.6 Elevators.  Elevators provided for passengers shall comply with 407.  Where multiple elevators are provided, each elevator shall comply with 407.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  In a building or facility permitted to use the exceptions to F206.2.3 or permitted by F206.7 to use a platform lift, elevators complying with 408 shall be permitted.

2.  Elevators complying with 408 or 409 shall be permitted in multi-story residential dwelling units.

F206.6.1 Existing Elevators.  Where elements of existing elevators are altered, the same element shall also be altered in all elevators that are programmed to respond to the same hall call control as the altered elevator and shall comply with the requirements of 407 for the altered element.

F206.7 Platform Lifts.  Platform lifts shall comply with 410.  Platform lifts shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route in new construction in accordance with F206.7.  Platform lifts shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route in an existing building or facility.  In emergency transportable housing units, platform lifts shall not be used at the primary entrance to a unit required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2.

F206.7.1 Performance Areas and Speakers' Platforms.  Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to performance areas and speakers' platforms.

F206.7.2 Wheelchair Spaces.  Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to comply with the wheelchair space dispersion and line-of-sight requirements of F221 and 802.

F206.7.3 Incidental Spaces.  Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to incidental spaces which are not public use spaces and which are occupied by five persons maximum.

F206.7.4 Judicial Spaces.  Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to: jury boxes and witness stands; raised courtroom stations including, judges' benches, clerks' stations, bailiffs' stations, deputy clerks' stations, and court reporters' stations; and to depressed areas such as the well of a court.

F206.7.5 Existing Site Constraints.  Platform lifts shall be permitted where existing exterior site constraints make use of a ramp or elevator infeasible.

Advisory F206.7.5 Existing Site Constraints.  This exception applies where topography or other similar existing site constraints necessitate the use of a platform lift as the only feasible alternative.  While the site constraint must reflect exterior conditions, the lift can be installed in the interior of a building.  For example, a new building constructed between and connected to two existing buildings may have insufficient space to coordinate floor levels and also to provide ramped entry from the public way.  In this example, an exterior or interior platform lift could be used to provide an accessible entrance or to coordinate one or more interior floor levels.

F206.7.6 Guest Rooms and Residential Dwelling Units.  Platform lifts shall be permitted to connect levels within transient lodging guest rooms required to provide mobility features complying with 806.2 or residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2.

F206.7.7 Amusement Rides.  Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to load and unload areas serving amusement rides.

F206.7.8 Play Areas.  Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to play components or soft contained play structures.

F206.7.9 Team or Player Seating.  Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity.

Advisory F206.7.9 Team or Player Seating.  While the use of platform lifts is allowed, ramps are recommended to provide access to player seating areas serving an area of sport activity.

F206.7.10 Recreational Boating Facilities and Fishing Piers and Platforms.  Platform lifts shall be permitted to be used instead of gangways that are part of accessible routes serving recreational boating facilities and fishing piers and platforms.

F206.8 Security Barriers.  Security barriers, including but not limited to, security bollards and security check points, shall not obstruct a required accessible route or accessible means of egress.

EXCEPTION:  Where security barriers incorporate elements that cannot comply with these requirements such as certain metal detectors, fluoroscopes, or other similar devices, the accessible route shall be permitted to be located adjacent to security screening devices.  The accessible route shall permit persons with disabilities passing around security barriers to maintain visual contact with their personal items to the same extent provided others passing through the security barrier.

F207 Accessible Means of Egress

F207.1 General.  Means of egress shall comply with section 1003.2.13 of the International Building Code (2000 edition and 2001 Supplement) or section 1007 of the International Building Code (2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1).

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Where means of egress are permitted by local building or life safety codes to share a common path of egress travel, accessible means of egress shall be permitted to share a common path of egress travel.

2.  Areas of refuge shall not be required in detention and correctional facilities.

F207.2 Platform Lifts.  Standby power shall be provided for platform lifts permitted by section 1003.2.13.4 of the International Building Code (2000 edition and 2001 Supplement) or section 1007.5 of the International Building Code (2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1) to serve as a part of an accessible means of egress.

F208 Parking Spaces

F208.1 General.  Where parking spaces are provided, parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with F208.

EXCEPTION:  Parking spaces used exclusively for buses, trucks, other delivery vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, or vehicular impound shall not be required to comply with F208 provided that lots accessed by the public are provided with a passenger loading zone complying with 503.

F208.2 Minimum Number.  Parking spaces complying with 502 shall be provided in accordance with Table F208.2 except as required by F208.2.1, F208.2.2, and F208.2.3.  Where more than one parking facility is provided on a site, the number of accessible spaces provided on the site shall be calculated according to the number of spaces required for each parking facility.

Table F208.2 Parking Spaces
Total Number of Parking Spaces
Provided in Parking Facility
Minimum Number of Required
accessible Parking Spaces
1 to 25 1
26 to 50 2
51 to 75 3
76 to 100 4
101 to 150 5
151 to 200 6
201 to 300 7
301 to 400 8
401 to 500 9
501 to 1000 2 percent of total
1001 and over 20, plus 1 for each 100,
or fraction thereof, over 1000

Advisory F208.2 Minimum Number.  The term "parking facility" is used Section F208.2 instead of the term "parking lot" so that it is clear that both parking lots and parking structures are required to comply with this section.  The number of parking spaces required to be accessible is to be calculated separately for each parking facility; the required number is not to be based on the total number of parking spaces provided in all of the parking facilities provided on the site.

F208.2.1 Hospital Outpatient Facilities.  Ten percent of patient and visitor parking spaces provided to serve hospital outpatient facilities shall comply with 502.

Advisory F208.2.1 Hospital Outpatient Facilities.  The term "outpatient facility" is not defined in this document but is intended to cover facilities or units that are located in hospitals and that provide regular and continuing medical treatment without an overnight stay.  Doctors' offices, independent clinics, or other facilities not located in hospitals are not considered hospital outpatient facilities for purposes of this document.

F208.2.2 Rehabilitation Facilities and Outpatient Physical Therapy Facilities. Twenty percent of patient and visitor parking spaces provided to serve rehabilitation facilities specializing in treating conditions that affect mobility and outpatient physical therapy facilities shall comply with 502.

Advisory F208.2.2 Rehabilitation Facilities and Outpatient Physical Therapy Facilities.  Conditions that affect mobility include conditions requiring the use or assistance of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or powered mobility aid; arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions that severely limit one's ability to walk; respiratory diseases and other conditions which may require the use of portable oxygen; and cardiac conditions that impose significant functional limitations.

F208.2.3 Residential Facilities.  Parking spaces provided to serve facilities with residential dwelling units shall comply with F208.2.3.

F208.2.3.1 Parking for Residents.  Where at least one parking space is provided for each residential dwelling unit, at least one parking space complying with 502 shall be provided for each residential dwelling unit required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2.

F208.2.3.2 Additional Parking Spaces for Residents.  Where the total number of parking spaces provided for each residential dwelling unit exceeds one parking space per residential dwelling unit, 2 percent, but no fewer than one space, of all the parking spaces not covered by F208.2.3.1 shall comply with 502.

F208.2.3.3 Parking for Guests, Employees, and Other Non-Residents.  Where parking spaces are provided for persons other than residents, parking shall be provided in accordance with Table F208.2.

F208.2.4 Van Parking Spaces.  For every six or fraction of six parking spaces required by F208.2 to comply with 502, at least one shall be a van parking space complying with 502.

F208.3 Location.  Parking facilities shall comply with F208.3

F208.3.1 General.  Parking spaces complying with 502 that serve a particular building or facility shall be located on the shortest accessible route from parking to an entrance complying with F206.4.  Where parking serves more than one accessible entrance, parking spaces complying with 502 shall be dispersed and located on the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrances.  In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building or facility, parking spaces complying with 502 shall be located on the shortest accessible route to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  All van parking spaces shall be permitted to be grouped on one level within a multi-story parking facility.

2.  Parking spaces shall be permitted to be located in different parking facilities if substantially equivalent or greater accessibility is provided in terms of distance from an accessible entrance or entrances, parking fee, and user convenience.

Advisory F208.3.1 General Exception 2.  Factors that could affect "user convenience" include, but are not limited to, protection from the weather, security, lighting, and comparative maintenance of the alternative parking site.

F208.3.2 Residential Facilities.  In facilities containing residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2, parking spaces provided in accordance with F208.2.3.1 shall be located on the shortest accessible route to the residential dwelling unit entrance they serve.  Spaces provided in accordance with F208.2.3.2 shall be dispersed throughout all types of parking provided for the residential dwelling units.

EXCEPTION:  Parking spaces provided in accordance with F208.2.3.2 shall not be required to be dispersed throughout all types of parking if substantially equivalent or greater accessibility is provided in terms of distance from an accessible entrance, parking fee, and user convenience.

Advisory F208.3.2 Residential Facilities Exception.  Factors that could affect "user convenience" include, but are not limited to, protection from the weather, security, lighting, and comparative maintenance of the alternative parking site.

F209 Passenger Loading Zones and Bus Stops

F209.1 General.  Passenger loading zones shall be provided in accordance with F209.

F209.2 Type.  Where provided, passenger loading zones shall comply with F209.2.

F209.2.1 Passenger Loading Zones.  Passenger loading zones, except those required to comply with F209.2.2 and F209.2.3, shall provide at least one passenger loading zone complying with 503 in every continuous 100 linear feet (30 m) of loading zone space, or fraction thereof.

F209.2.2 Bus Loading Zones.  In bus loading zones restricted to use by designated or specified public transportation vehicles, each bus bay, bus stop, or other area designated for lift or ramp deployment shall comply with 810.2.

Advisory F209.2.2 Bus Loading Zones.  The terms "designated public transportation" and "specified public transportation" are defined by the Department of Transportation at 49 CFR 37.3 in regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act.  These terms refer to public transportation services provided by public or private entities, respectively.  For example, designated public transportation vehicles include buses and vans operated by public transit agencies, while specified public transportation vehicles include tour and charter buses, taxis and limousines, and hotel shuttles operated by private entities.

F209.2.3 On-Street Bus Stops.  On-street bus stops shall comply with 810.2 to the maximum extent practicable.

F209.3 Medical Care and Long-Term Care Facilities.  At least one passenger loading zone complying with 503 shall be provided at an accessible entrance to licensed medical care and licensed long-term care facilities where the period of stay exceeds twenty-four hours.

F209.4 Valet Parking.  Parking facilities that provide valet parking services shall provide at least one passenger loading zone complying with 503.

F209.5 Mechanical Access Parking Garages.  Mechanical access parking garages shall provide at least one passenger loading zone complying with 503 at vehicle drop-off and vehicle pick-up areas.

F210 Stairways

F210.1 General.  Interior and exterior stairs that are part of a means of egress shall comply with 504.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  In detention and correctional facilities, stairs that are not located in public use areas shall not be required to comply with 504.

2.  In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route shall not be required to comply with 504, except that handrails complying with 505 shall be provided when the stairs are altered.

3.  In assembly areas, aisle stairs shall not be required to comply with 504.

4.  Stairs that connect play components shall not be required to comply with 504.

Advisory F210.1 General.  Although these requirements do not mandate handrails on stairs that are not part of a means of egress, State or local building codes may require handrails or guards.

F211 Drinking Fountains

F211.1 General.  Where drinking fountains are provided on an exterior site, on a floor, and within a secured area they shall be provided in accordance with F211.

EXCEPTION:  In detention or correctional facilities, drinking fountains only serving holding or housing cells not required to comply with F232 shall not be required to comply with F211.

F211.2 Minimum Number.  No fewer than two drinking fountains shall be provided.  One drinking fountain shall comply with 602.1 through 602.6 and one drinking fountain shall comply with 602.7.

EXCEPTION:  Where a single drinking fountain complies with 602.1 through 602.6 and 602.7, it shall be permitted to be substituted for two separate drinking fountains.

F211.3 More Than Minimum Number.  Where more than the minimum number of drinking fountains specified in F211.2 are provided, 50 percent of the total number of drinking fountains provided shall comply with 602.1 through 602.6, and 50 percent of the total number of drinking fountains provided shall comply with 602.7.

EXCEPTION:  Where 50 percent of the drinking fountains yields a fraction, 50 percent shall be permitted to be rounded up or down provided that the total number of drinking fountains complying with F211 equals 100 percent of drinking fountains.

F212 Kitchens, Kitchenettes, and Sinks

F212.1 General.  Where provided, kitchens, kitchenettes, and sinks shall comply with F212.

F212.2 Kitchens and Kitchenettes.  Kitchens and kitchenettes shall comply with 804.

F212.3 Sinks.  Where sinks are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type provided in each accessible room or space shall comply with 606.

EXCEPTIONS:  1. Mop or service sinks shall not be required to comply with F212.3.

2. In camping facilities and picnic facilities, sinks shall not be required to comply with F212.3 where a cooktop or conventional range is not provided.

F213 Toilet Facilities and Bathing Facilities

F213.1 General.  Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided, they shall comply with F213.  Where toilet facilities and bathing facilities are provided in facilities permitted by F206.2.3 Exceptions 1 and 2 not to connect stories by an accessible route, toilet facilities and bathing facilities shall be provided on a story connected by an accessible route to an accessible entrance.

EXCEPTION:  Pit toilets provided on trails and in camping facilities shall not be required to comply with F213.

Advisory F213.1 General. A pit toilet is a primitive outhouse consisting of a toilet riser over a hole dug into the ground or receptacle to receive and naturally decompose human waste.

F213.2 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms.  Where toilet rooms are provided, each toilet room shall comply with 603.  Where bathing rooms are provided, each bathing room shall comply with 603.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  In alterations where it is technically infeasible to comply with 603, altering existing toilet or bathing rooms shall not be required where a single unisex toilet room or bathing room complying with F213.2.1 is provided and located in the same area and on the same floor as existing inaccessible toilet or bathing rooms.

2.  Where exceptions for alterations to qualified historic buildings or facilities are permitted by F202.5 and toilet rooms are provided, no fewer than one toilet room for each sex complying with 603 or one unisex toilet room complying with F213.2.1 shall be provided.

3.  Where multiple single user portable toilet or bathing units are clustered at a single location, no more than 5 percent of the toilet units and bathing units at each cluster shall be required to comply with 603.  Portable toilet units and bathing units complying with 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1.

4.  Where multiple single user toilet rooms are clustered at a single location, no more than 50 percent of the single user toilet rooms for each use at each cluster shall be required to comply with 603.

Advisory F213.2 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms.  These requirements allow the use of unisex (or single-user) toilet rooms in alterations when technical infeasibility can be demonstrated.  Unisex toilet rooms benefit people who use opposite sex personal care assistants.  For this reason, it is advantageous to install unisex toilet rooms in addition to accessible single-sex toilet rooms in new facilities.

Advisory F213.2 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms Exceptions 3 and 4.  A "cluster" is a group of toilet rooms proximate to one another.  Generally, toilet rooms in a cluster are within sight of, or adjacent to, one another.

F213.2.1 Unisex (Single-Use or Family) Toilet and Bathing Rooms.  Unisex toilet rooms shall contain not more than one lavatory, and two water closets without urinals or one water closet and one urinal.  Unisex bathing rooms shall contain one shower or one shower and one bathtub, one lavatory, and one water closet.  Doors to unisex toilet rooms and unisex bathing rooms shall have privacy latches.

F213.3 Plumbing Fixtures and Accessories.  Plumbing fixtures and accessories provided in a toilet room or bathing room required to comply with F213.2 shall comply with F213.3.

F213.3.1 Toilet Compartments.  Where toilet compartments are provided, at least one toilet compartment shall comply with 604.8.1.  In addition to the compartment required to comply with 604.8.1, at least one compartment shall comply with 604.8.2 where six or more toilet compartments are provided, or where the combination of urinals and water closets totals six or more fixtures.

Advisory F213.3.1 Toilet Compartments.  A toilet compartment is a partitioned space that is located within a toilet room, and that normally contains no more than one water closet.  A toilet compartment may also contain a lavatory.  A lavatory is a sink provided for hand washing.  Full-height partitions and door assemblies can comprise toilet compartments where the minimum required spaces are provided within the compartment.

F213.3.2 Water Closets.  Where water closets are provided at least one shall comply with 604.

F213.3.3 Urinals.  Where more than one urinal is provided, at least one shall comply with 605.

F213.3.4 Lavatories.  Where lavatories are provided, at least one shall comply with 606 and shall not be located in a toilet compartment.

F213.3.5 Mirrors.  Where mirrors are provided, at least one shall comply with 603.3.

F213.3.6 Bathing Facilities.  Where bathtubs or showers are provided, at least one bathtub complying with 607 or at least one shower complying with 608 shall be provided.

F213.3.7 Coat Hooks and Shelves.  Where coat hooks or shelves are provided in toilet rooms without toilet compartments, at least one of each type shall comply with 603.4. Where coat hooks or shelves are provided in toilet compartments, at least one of each type complying with 604.8.3 shall be provided in toilet compartments required to comply with F213.3.1.  Where coat hooks or shelves are provided in bathing facilities, at least one of each type complying with 603.4 shall serve fixtures required to comply with F213.3.6.

F214 Washing Machines and Clothes Dryers

F214.1 General.  Where provided, washing machines and clothes dryers shall comply with F214.

EXCEPTION:  Washing machines and clothes dryers provided in employee work areas shall not be required to comply with F214.

Advisory F214.1 General Exception.  Washers and dryers provided for use by employees during non-work hours are not considered to be provided in employee work areas.  For example, if trainees are housed in a dormitory and provided access to washers and dryers, those facilities are not considered part of the employee work area.  Examples of washing machines and clothes dryers provided in employee work areas include, but are not limited to, employee only laundries in hospitals, hotels, and prisons.

F214.2 Washing Machines.  Where three or fewer washing machines are provided, at least one shall comply with 611.  Where more than three washing machines are provided, at least two shall comply with 611.

F214.3 Clothes Dryers.  Where three or fewer clothes dryers are provided, at least one shall comply with 611.  Where more than three clothes dryers are provided, at least two shall comply with 611.

F215 Fire Alarm Systems

F215.1 General.  Where fire alarm systems provide audible alarm coverage, alarms shall comply with F215.

EXCEPTION:  In existing facilities, visible alarms shall not be required except where an existing fire alarm system is upgraded or replaced, or a new fire alarm system is installed.

Advisory F215.1 General.  Unlike audible alarms, visible alarms must be located within the space they serve so that the signal is visible.  Facility alarm systems (other than fire alarm systems) such as those used for tornado warnings and other emergencies are not required to comply with the technical criteria for alarms in Section 702.  Every effort should be made to ensure that such alarms can be differentiated in their signal from fire alarms systems and that people who need to be notified of emergencies are adequately safeguarded.  Consult local fire departments and prepare evacuation plans taking into consideration the needs of every building occupant, including people with disabilities.

F215.2 Public and Common Use Areas.  Alarms in public use areas and common use areas shall comply with 702.

F215.3 Employee Work Areas.  Where employee work areas have audible alarm coverage, the wiring system shall be designed so that visible alarms complying with 702 can be integrated into the alarm system.

F215.4 Transient Lodging.  Guest rooms required to comply with F224.4 shall provide alarms complying with 702.

F215.5 Residential Dwelling Units.  Where provided in residential dwelling units required to provide communication features complying with 809.3, alarms shall comply with 702.

F216 Signs

F216.1 General.  Signs shall be provided in accordance with F216 and shall comply with 703.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Building directories, menus, seat and row designations in assembly areas, occupant names, building addresses, and company names and logos shall not be required to comply with F216.

2.  In parking facilities, signs shall not be required to comply with F216.2, F216.3, and F216.6 through F216.12.

3.  Temporary, 7 days or less, signs shall not be required to comply with F216.

4.  In detention and correctional facilities, signs not located in public use areas shall not be required to comply with F216.

F216.2 Designations.  Interior and exterior signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces shall comply with 703.1, 703.2, and 703.5.  Where pictograms are provided as designations of permanent interior rooms and spaces, the pictograms shall comply with 703.6 and shall have text descriptors complying with 703.2 and 703.5.

EXCEPTION:  Exterior signs that are not located at the door to the space they serve shall not be required to comply with 703.2.

Advisory F216.2 Designations.  Section F216.2 applies to signs that provide designations, labels, or names for interior rooms or spaces where the sign is not likely to change over time.  Examples include interior signs labeling restrooms, room and floor numbers or letters, and room names.  Tactile text descriptors are required for pictograms that are provided to label or identify a permanent room or space. Pictograms that provide information about a room or space, such as "no smoking," occupant logos, and the International Symbol of Accessibility, are not required to have text descriptors.

F216.3 Directional and Informational Signs.  Signs that provide direction to or information about interior spaces and facilities of the site shall comply with 703.5.

Advisory F216.3 Directional and Informational Signs.  Information about interior spaces and facilities includes rules of conduct, occupant load, and similar signs.  Signs providing direction to rooms or spaces include those that identify egress routes.

F216.4 Means of Egress.  Signs for means of egress shall comply with F216.4.

F216.4.1 Exit Doors.  Doors at exit passageways, exit discharge, and exit stairways shall be identified by tactile signs complying with 703.1, 703.2, and 703.5.

Advisory F216.4.1 Exit Doors.  An exit passageway is a horizontal exit component that is separated from the interior spaces of the building by fire-resistance-rated construction and that leads to the exit discharge or public way.  The exit discharge is that portion of an egress system between the termination of an exit and a public way.

F216.4.2 Areas of Refuge.  Signs required by section 1003.2.13.5.4 of the International Building Code (2000 edition) or section 1007.6.4 of the International Building Code (2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1) to provide instructions in areas of refuge shall comply with 703.5.

F216.4.3 Directional Signs.  Signs required by section 1003.2.13.6 of the International Building Code (2000 edition) or section 1007.7 of the International Building Code (2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see "Referenced Standards" in Chapter 1) to provide directions to accessible means of egress shall comply with 703.5.

F216.5 Parking.  Parking spaces complying with 502 shall be identified by signs complying with 502.6.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Where a total of four or fewer parking spaces, including accessible parking spaces, are provided on a site, identification of accessible parking spaces shall not be required.

2.  In residential facilities, where parking spaces are assigned to specific residential dwelling units, identification of accessible parking spaces shall not be required.

F216.6 Entrances.  Where not all entrances comply with 404, entrances complying with 404 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Directional signs complying with 703.5 that indicate the location of the nearest entrance complying with 404 shall be provided at entrances that do not comply with 404.

Advisory F216.6 Entrances.  Where a directional sign is required, it should be located to minimize backtracking.  In some cases, this could mean locating a sign at the beginning of a route, not just at the inaccessible entrances to a building.

F216.7 Elevators.  Where existing elevators do not comply with 407, elevators complying with 407 shall be clearly identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1.

F216.8 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms.  Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with 603, directional signs indicating the location of the nearest toilet room or bathing room complying with 603 within the facility shall be provided.  Signs shall comply with 703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with 603, the toilet rooms or bathing rooms complying with 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1.  Where clustered single user toilet rooms or bathing facilities are permitted to use exception to F213.2, toilet rooms or bathing facilities complying with 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1 unless all toilet rooms and bathing facilities comply with 603.

F216.9 TTYs.  Identification and directional signs for public TTYs shall be provided in accordance with F216.9.

F216.9.1 Identification Signs.  Public TTYs shall be identified by the International Symbol of TTY complying with 703.7.2.2.

F216.9.2 Directional Signs.  Directional signs indicating the location of the nearest public TTY shall be provided at all banks of public pay telephones not containing a public TTY.  In addition, where signs provide direction to public pay telephones, they shall also provide direction to public TTYs.  Directional signs shall comply with 703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of TTY complying with 703.7.2.2.

F216.10 Assistive Listening Systems.  Each assembly area required by F219 to provide assistive listening systems shall provide signs informing patrons of the availability of the assistive listening system.  Assistive listening signs shall comply with 703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss complying with 703.7.2.4.

EXCEPTION:  Where ticket offices or windows are provided, signs shall not be required at each assembly area provided that signs are displayed at each ticket office or window informing patrons of the availability of assistive listening systems.

F216.11 Check-Out Aisles.  Where more than one check-out aisle is provided, check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1.  Where check-out aisles are identified by numbers, letters, or functions, signs identifying check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be located in the same location as the check-out aisle identification.

EXCEPTION:  Where all check-out aisles serving a single function comply with 904.3, signs complying with 703.7.2.1 shall not be required.

F216.12 Amusement Rides.  Signs identifying the type of access provided on amusement rides shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines.  In addition, where accessible unload areas also serve as accessible load areas, signs indicating the location of the accessible load and unload areas shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines.

Advisory F216.12 Amusement Rides.  Amusement rides designed primarily for children, amusement rides that are controlled or operated by the rider, and amusement rides without seats, are not required to provide wheelchair spaces, transfer seats, or transfer systems, and need not meet the sign requirements in 216.12. The load and unload areas of these rides must, however, be on an accessible route and must provide turning space.

F216.13 Trailhead Signs. Where new trail information signs are provided at trailheads on newly constructed or altered trails designed for use by hikers or pedestrians, the signs shall comply with 1017.10.

Advisory F216.13 Trailhead Signs. New trail information signs are required to comply with 1017.10 regardless of whether the newly constructed or altered trails comply with 1017. If trail information signs designate the name of the trail, only the name of the trail is required to comply with 703.5. See F216.2. Tactile characters are not required on exterior signs. Trail information signs are not required to display the International Symbol of Accessibility.

F217 Telephones

F217.1 General.  Where coin-operated public pay telephones, coinless public pay telephones, public closed-circuit telephones, public courtesy phones, or other types of public telephones are provided, public telephones shall be provided in accordance with F217 for each type of public telephone provided.  For purposes of this section, a bank of telephones shall be considered to be two or more adjacent telephones.

Advisory F217.1 General.  These requirements apply to all types of public telephones including courtesy phones at airports and rail stations that provide a free direct connection to hotels, transportation services, and tourist attractions.

F217.2 Wheelchair accessible Telephones.  Where public telephones are provided, wheelchair accessible telephones complying with 704.2 shall be provided in accordance with Table F217.2.

EXCEPTION:  Drive-up only public telephones shall not be required to comply with F217.2.

Table F217.2 Wheelchair accessible Telephones
Number of Telephones Provided
on a Floor, Level, or Exterior Site
Minimum Number of Required
Wheelchair Accessible Telephones
1 or more single units 1 per floor, level,
and exterior site
1 bank 1 per floor, level,
and exterior site
2 or more banks 1 per bank

F217.3 Volume Controls.  All public telephones shall have volume controls complying with 704.3.

F217.4 TTYs.  TTYs complying with 704.4 shall be provided in accordance with F217.4.

Advisory F217.4 TTYs.  Separate requirements are provided based on the number of public pay telephones provided at a bank of telephones, within a floor, a building, or on a site.  In some instances one TTY can be used to satisfy more than one of these requirements.  For example, a TTY required for a bank can satisfy the requirements for a building.  However, the requirement for at least one TTY on an exterior site cannot be met by installing a TTY in a bank inside a building.  Consideration should be given to phone systems that can accommodate both digital and analog transmissions for compatibility with digital and analog TTYs.

F217.4.1 Bank Requirement.  Where four or more public pay telephones are provided at a bank of telephones, at least one public TTY complying with 704.4 shall be provided at that bank.

EXCEPTION:  TTYs shall not be required at banks of telephones located within 200 feet (61 m) of, and on the same floor as, a bank containing a public TTY.

F217.4.2 Floor Requirement.  Where at least one public pay telephone is provided on a floor of a building, at least one public TTY shall be provided on that floor.

F217.4.3 Building Requirement.  Where at least one public pay telephone is provided in a public use area of a building, at least one public TTY shall be provided in the building in a public use area.

F217.4.4 Exterior Site Requirement.  Where four or more public pay telephones are provided on an exterior site, at least one public TTY shall be provided on the site.

F217.4.5 Rest Stops, Emergency Roadside Stops, and Service Plazas.  Where at least one public pay telephone is provided at a public rest stop, emergency roadside stop, or service plaza, at least one public TTY shall be provided.

F217.4.6 Hospitals.  Where at least one public pay telephone is provided serving a hospital emergency room, hospital recovery room, or hospital waiting room, at least one public TTY shall be provided at each location.

F217.4.7 Transportation Facilities.  In transportation facilities, in addition to the requirements of F217.4.1 through F217.4.4, where at least one public pay telephone serves a particular entrance to a bus or rail facility, at least one public TTY shall be provided to serve that entrance.  In airports, in addition to the requirements of F217.4.1 through F217.4.4, where four or more public pay telephones are located in a terminal outside the security areas, a concourse within the security areas, or a baggage claim area in a terminal, at least one public TTY shall be provided in each location.

F217.4.8 Detention and Correctional Facilities.  In detention and correctional facilities, where at least one pay telephone is provided in a secured area used only by detainees or inmates and security personnel, at least one TTY shall be provided in at least one secured area.

F217.5 Shelves for Portable TTYs.  Where a bank of telephones in the interior of a building consists of three or more public pay telephones, at least one public pay telephone at the bank shall be provided with a shelf and an electrical outlet in accordance with 704.5.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Secured areas of detention and correctional facilities where shelves and outlets are prohibited for purposes of security or safety shall not be required to comply with F217.5.

2.  The shelf and electrical outlet shall not be required at a bank of telephones with a TTY.

F218 Transportation Facilities

F218.1 General.  Transportation facilities shall comply with F218.

F218.2 New and Altered Fixed Guideway Stations.  New and altered stations in rapid rail, light rail, commuter rail, intercity rail, high speed rail, and other fixed guideway systems shall comply with 810.5 through 810.10.

F218.3 Bus Shelters.  Where provided, bus shelters shall comply with 810.3 and 810.4.

F218.4 Other Transportation Facilities.  In other transportation facilities, public address systems shall comply with 810.7 and clocks shall comply with 810.8.

F219 Assistive Listening Systems

F219.1 General.  Assistive listening systems shall be provided in accordance with F219 and shall comply with 706.

F219.2 Required Systems.  In each assembly area where audible communication is integral to the use of the space, an assistive listening system shall be provided.

EXCEPTION:  Other than in courtrooms, assistive listening systems shall not be required where audio amplification is not provided.

F219.3 Receivers.  Receivers complying with 706.2 shall be provided for assistive listening systems in each assembly area in accordance with Table F219.3.  Twenty-five percent minimum of receivers provided, but no fewer than two, shall be hearing-aid compatible in accordance with 706.3.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where a building contains more than one assembly area and the assembly areas required to provide assistive listening systems are under one management, the total number of required receivers shall be permitted to be calculated according to the total number of seats in the assembly areas in the building provided that all receivers are usable with all systems.

2.  Where all seats in an assembly area are served by an induction loop assistive listening system, the minimum number of receivers required by Table F219.3 to be hearing-aid compatible shall not be required to be provided.

Table F219.3 Receivers for Assistive Listening Systems
Capacity of Seating in
Assembly Area
Minimum Number of
Required Receivers
Minimum Number of Required Receivers
Required to be Hearing-aid Compatible
1. Or fraction thereof.
50 or less 2 2
51 to 200 2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats ¹ 2
201 to 500 2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats ¹ 1 per 4 receivers ¹
501 to 1000 20, plus 1 per 33 seats over 500 seats ¹ 1 per 4 receivers ¹
1001 to 2000 35, plus 1 per 50 seats over 1000 seats ¹ 1 per 4 receivers ¹
2001 and over 55, plus 1 per 100 seats over 2000 seats ¹ 1 per 4 receivers ¹

F220 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines

F220.1 General.  Where automatic teller machines or self-service fare vending, collection, or adjustment machines are provided, at least one of each type provided at each location shall comply with 707.  Where bins are provided for envelopes, waste paper, or other purposes, at least one of each type shall comply with 811.

Advisory F220.1 General.  If a bank provides both interior and exterior ATMs, each such installation is considered a separate location.  Accessible ATMs, including those with speech and those that are within reach of people who use wheelchairs, must provide all the functions provided to customers at that location at all times.  For example, it is unacceptable for the accessible ATM only to provide cash withdrawals while inaccessible ATMs also sell theater tickets.

F221 Assembly Areas

F221.1 General.  Assembly areas shall provide wheelchair spaces, companion seats, and designated aisle seats complying with F221 and 802.  In addition, lawn seating shall comply with F221.5.

F221.2 Wheelchair Spaces.  Wheelchair spaces complying with F221.2 shall be provided in assembly areas with fixed seating.

F221.2.1 Number and Location.  Wheelchair spaces shall be provided complying with F221.2.1.

F221.2.1.1 General Seating.  Wheelchair spaces complying with 802.1 shall be provided in accordance with Table F221.2.1.1.

Table F221.2.1.1 Number of Wheelchair Spaces in Assembly Areas
Number of SeatsMinimum Number of
Required Wheelchair Spaces
4 to 25 1
26 to 50 2
51 to 150 4
151 to 300 5
301 to 500 6
501 to 5000 6, plus 1 for each 150,
or fraction thereof, between 501 through 5000
5001 and over 36, plus 1 for each 200,
or fraction thereof, over 5000

F221.2.1.2 Luxury Boxes, Club Boxes, and Suites in Arenas, Stadiums, and Grandstands.  In each luxury box, club box, and suite within arenas, stadiums, and grandstands, wheelchair spaces complying with 802.1 shall be provided in accordance with Table F221.2.1.1.

Advisory F221.2.1.2 Luxury Boxes, Club Boxes, and Suites in Arenas, Stadiums, and Grandstands.  The number of wheelchair spaces required in luxury boxes, club boxes, and suites within an arena, stadium, or grandstand is to be calculated box by box and suite by suite.

F221.2.1.3 Other Boxes.  In boxes other than those required to comply with F221.2.1.2, the total number of wheelchair spaces required shall be determined in accordance with Table F221.2.1.1.  Wheelchair spaces shall be located in not less than 20 percent of all boxes provided.  Wheelchair spaces shall comply with 802.1.

Advisory F221.2.1.3 Other Boxes.  The provision for seating in "other boxes" includes box seating provided in facilities such as performing arts auditoria where tiered boxes are designed for spatial and acoustical purposes. The number of wheelchair spaces required in boxes covered by 221.2.1.3 is calculated based on the total number of seats provided in these other boxes.  The resulting number of wheelchair spaces must be located in no fewer than 20% of the boxes covered by this section.  For example, a concert hall has 20 boxes, each of which contains 10 seats, totaling 200 seats.  In this example, 5 wheelchair spaces would be required, and they must be placed in at least 4 of the boxes. Additionally, because the wheelchair spaces must also meet the dispersion requirements of 221.2.3, the boxes containing these wheelchair spaces cannot all be located in one area unless an exception to the dispersion requirements applies.

F221.2.1.4 Team or Player Seating.  At least one wheelchair space complying with 802.1 shall be provided in team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity.

EXCEPTION:  Wheelchair spaces shall not be required in team or player seating areas serving bowling lanes not required to comply with F206.2.10.

F221.2.2 Integration.  Wheelchair spaces shall be an integral part of the seating plan.

Advisory F221.2.2 Integration.  The requirement that wheelchair spaces be an "integral part of the seating plan" means that wheelchair spaces must be placed within the footprint of the seating area.  Wheelchair spaces cannot be segregated from seating areas.  For example, it would be unacceptable to place only the wheelchair spaces, or only the wheelchair spaces and their associated companion seats, outside the seating areas defined by risers in an assembly area.

F221.2.3 Lines of Sight and Dispersion.  Wheelchair spaces shall provide lines of sight complying with 802.2 and shall comply with F221.2.3.  In providing lines of sight, wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed.  Wheelchair spaces shall provide spectators with choices of seating locations and viewing angles that are substantially equivalent to, or better than, the choices of seating locations and viewing angles available to all other spectators.  When the number of wheelchair spaces required by F221.2.1 has been met, further dispersion shall not be required.

EXCEPTION:  Wheelchair spaces in team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with F221.2.3.

Advisory F221.2.3 Lines of Sight and Dispersion.  Consistent with the overall intent of the ADA, individuals who use wheelchairs must be provided equal access so that their experience is substantially equivalent to that of other members of the audience.  Thus, while individuals who use wheelchairs need not be provided with the best seats in the house, neither may they be relegated to the worst.

F221.2.3.1 Horizontal Dispersion.  Wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed horizontally.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Horizontal dispersion shall not be required in assembly areas with 300 or fewer seats if the companion seats required by F221.3 and wheelchair spaces are located within the 2nd or 3rd quartile of the total row length.  Intermediate aisles shall be included in determining the total row length.  If the row length in the 2nd and 3rd quartile of a row is insufficient to accommodate the required number of companion seats and wheelchair spaces, the additional companion seats and wheelchair spaces shall be permitted to be located in the 1st and 4th quartile of the row.

2.  In row seating, two wheelchair spaces shall be permitted to be located side-by-side.

Advisory F221.2.3.1 Horizontal Dispersion.  Horizontal dispersion of wheelchair spaces is the placement of spaces in an assembly facility seating area from side-to-side or, in the case of an arena or stadium, around the field of play or performance area.

F221.2.3.2 Vertical Dispersion.  Wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed vertically at varying distances from the screen, performance area, or playing field.  In addition, wheelchair spaces shall be located in each balcony or mezzanine that is located on an accessible route.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Vertical dispersion shall not be required in assembly areas with 300 or fewer seats if the wheelchair spaces provide viewing angles that are equivalent to, or better than, the average viewing angle provided in the facility.

2.  In bleachers, wheelchair spaces shall not be required to be provided in rows other than rows at points of entry to bleacher seating.

Advisory F221.2.3.2 Vertical Dispersion.  When wheelchair spaces are dispersed vertically in an assembly facility they are placed at different locations within the seating area from front-to-back so that the distance from the screen, stage, playing field, area of sports activity, or other focal point is varied among wheelchair spaces.

Advisory F221.2.3.2 Vertical Dispersion Exception 2.  Points of entry to bleacher seating may include, but are not limited to, cross aisles, concourses, vomitories, and entrance ramps and stairs.  Vertical, center, or side aisles adjoining bleacher seating that are stepped or tiered are not considered entry points.

F221.3 Companion Seats.  At least one companion seat complying with 802.3 shall be provided for each wheelchair space required by F221.2.1.

F221.4 Designated Aisle Seats.  At least 5 percent of the total number of aisle seats provided shall comply with 802.4 and shall be the aisle seats located closest to accessible routes.

EXCEPTION:  Team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with F221.4.

Advisory F221.4 Designated Aisle Seats.  When selecting which aisle seats will meet the requirements of 802.4, those aisle seats which are closest to, not necessarily on, accessible routes must be selected first.  For example, an assembly area has two aisles (A and B) serving seating areas with an accessible route connecting to the top and bottom of Aisle A only.  The aisle seats chosen to meet 802.4 must be those at the top and bottom of Aisle A, working toward the middle.  Only when all seats on Aisle A would not meet the five percent minimum would seats on Aisle B be designated.

F221.5 Lawn Seating.  Lawn seating areas and exterior overflow seating areas, where fixed seats are not provided, shall connect to an accessible route.

F222 Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms

F222.1 General.  Where dressing rooms, fitting rooms, or locker rooms are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type of use in each cluster provided shall comply with 803.

EXCEPTION:  In alterations, where it is technically infeasible to provide rooms in accordance with F222.1, one room for each sex on each level shall comply with 803. Where only unisex rooms are provided, unisex rooms shall be permitted.

Advisory F222.1 General.  A "cluster" is a group of rooms proximate to one another.  Generally, rooms in a cluster are within sight of, or adjacent to, one another.  Different styles of design provide users varying levels of privacy and convenience.  Some designs include private changing facilities that are close to core areas of the facility, while other designs use space more economically and provide only group dressing facilities.  Regardless of the type of facility, dressing, fitting, and locker rooms should provide people with disabilities rooms that are equally private and convenient to those provided others.  For example, in a physician's office, if people without disabilities must traverse the full length of the office suite in clothing other than their street clothes, it is acceptable for people with disabilities to be asked to do the same.

F222.2 Coat Hooks and Shelves.  Where coat hooks or shelves are provided in dressing, fitting or locker rooms without individual compartments, at least one of each type shall comply with 803.5.  Where coat hooks or shelves are provided in individual compartments at least one of each type complying with 803.5 shall be provided in individual compartments in dressing, fitting, or locker rooms required to comply with F222.1.

F223 Medical Care and Long-Term Care Facilities

F223.1 General.  In licensed medical care facilities and licensed long-term care facilities where the period of stay exceeds twenty-four hours, patient or resident sleeping rooms shall be provided in accordance with F223.

EXCEPTION:  Toilet rooms that are part of critical or intensive care patient sleeping rooms shall not be required to comply with 603.

Advisory F223.1 General.  Because medical facilities frequently reconfigure spaces to reflect changes in medical specialties, Section F223.1 does not include a provision for dispersion of accessible patient or resident sleeping rooms.  The lack of a design requirement does not mean that covered entities are not required to provide services to people with disabilities where accessible rooms are not dispersed in specialty areas.  Locate accessible rooms near core areas that are less likely to change over time.  While dispersion is not required, the flexibility it provides can be a critical factor in ensuring cost effective compliance with applicable civil rights laws, including Sections 501 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.  Additionally, all types of features and amenities should be dispersed among accessible sleeping rooms to ensure equal access to and a variety of choices for all patients and residents.

F223.1.1 Alterations.  Where sleeping rooms are altered or added, the requirements of F223 shall apply only to the sleeping rooms being altered or added until the number of sleeping rooms complies with the minimum number required for new construction.

Advisory F223.1.1 Alterations.  In alterations and additions, the minimum required number is based on the total number of sleeping rooms altered or added instead of on the total number of sleeping rooms provided in a facility.  As a facility is altered over time, every effort should be made to disperse accessible sleeping rooms among patient care areas such as pediatrics, cardiac care, maternity, and other units.  In this way, people with disabilities can have access to the full-range of services provided by a medical care facility.

F223.2 Hospitals, Rehabilitation Facilities, Psychiatric Facilities and Detoxification Facilities.  Hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, psychiatric facilities and detoxification facilities shall comply with F223.2.

F223.2.1 Facilities Not Specializing in Treating Conditions That Affect Mobility.  In facilities not specializing in treating conditions that affect mobility, at least 10 percent, but no fewer than one, of the patient sleeping rooms shall provide mobility features complying with 805.

F223.2.2 Facilities Specializing in Treating Conditions That Affect Mobility.  In facilities specializing in treating conditions that affect mobility, 100 percent of the patient sleeping rooms shall provide mobility features complying with 805.

Advisory F223.2.2 Facilities Specializing in Treating Conditions That Affect Mobility.  Conditions that affect mobility include conditions requiring the use or assistance of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or powered mobility aid; arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions that severely limit one's ability to walk; respiratory diseases and other conditions which may require the use of portable oxygen; and cardiac conditions that impose significant functional limitations.  Facilities that may provide treatment for, but that do not specialize in treatment of such conditions, such as general rehabilitation hospitals, are not subject to this requirement but are subject to Section F223.2.1.

F223.3 Long-Term Care Facilities.  In licensed long-term care facilities, at least 50 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type of resident sleeping room shall provide mobility features complying with 805.

F224 Transient Lodging Guest Rooms

F224.1 General.  Transient lodging facilities shall provide guest rooms in accordance with F224.

Advisory F224.1 General.  Certain facilities used for transient lodging including time shares, dormitories, and town homes may be covered by both these requirements and the Fair Housing Amendments Act.  The Fair Housing Amendments Act requires that certain residential structures having four or more multi-family dwelling units, regardless of whether they are privately owned or federally assisted, include certain features of accessible and adaptable design according to guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  This law and the appropriate regulations should be consulted before proceeding with the design and construction of residential housing.

F224.1.1 Alterations.  Where guest rooms are altered or added, the requirements of F224 shall apply only to the guest rooms being altered or added until the number of guest rooms complies with the minimum number required for new construction.

Advisory F224.1.1 Alterations.  In alterations and additions, the minimum required number of accessible guest rooms is based on the total number of guest rooms altered or added instead of the total number of guest rooms provided in a facility.  Typically, each alteration of a facility is limited to a particular portion of the facility.  When accessible guest rooms are added as a result of subsequent alterations, compliance with 224.5 (Dispersion) is more likely to be achieved if all of the accessible guest rooms are not provided in the same area of the facility.

F224.1.2 Guest Room Doors and Doorways.  Entrances, doors, and doorways providing user passage into and within guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with 806.2 shall comply with 404.2.3.

EXCEPTION:  Shower and sauna doors in guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with 806.2 shall not be required to comply with 404.2.3.

Advisory F224.1.2 Guest Room Doors and Doorways.  Because of the social interaction that often occurs in lodging facilities, an accessible clear opening width is required for doors and doorways to and within all guest rooms, including those not required to be accessible.  This applies to all doors, including bathroom doors, that allow full user passage.  Other requirements for doors and doorways in Section 404 do not apply to guest rooms not required to provide mobility features.

F224.2 Guest Rooms with Mobility Features.  In transient lodging facilities, guest rooms with mobility features complying with 806.2 shall be provided in accordance with Table F224.2.

Table F224.2 Guest Rooms with Mobility Features
Total Number of
Guest Rooms Provided
Minimum Number of
Required Rooms
without Roll-In Showers
Minimum Number of
Required Rooms
with Roll-In Showers
Total Number of
Required Rooms
1 to 25 1 0 1
26 to 50 2 0 2
51 to 75 3 1 4
76 to 100 4 1 5
101 to 150 5 2 7
151 to 200 6 2 8
201 to 300 7 3 10
301 to 400 8 4 12
401 to 500 9 4 13
501 to 1000 2 percent of total 1 percent of total 3 percent of total
1001 and over 20, plus 1 for each 100,
or fraction thereof, over 1000
10, plus 1 for each 100,
or fraction thereof, over 1000
30, plus 2 for each 100,
or fraction thereof, over 1000

F224.3 Beds.  In guest rooms having more than 25 beds, 5 percent minimum of the beds shall have clear floor space complying with 806.2.3.

F224.4 Guest Rooms with Communication Features.  In transient lodging facilities, guest rooms with communication features complying with 806.3 shall be provided in accordance with Table F224.4.

Table F224.4 Guest Rooms with Communication Features
Total Number of
Guest Rooms Provided
Minimum Number of Required Guest Rooms
with Communication Features
2 to 25 2
26 to 50 4
51 to 75 7
76 to 100 9
101 to 150 12
151 to 200 14
201 to 300 17
301 to 400 20
401 to 500 22
501 to 1000 5 percent of total
1001 and over 50, plus 3 for each 100 over 1000

F224.5 Dispersion.  Guest rooms required to provide mobility features complying with 806.2 and guest rooms required to provide communication features complying with 806.3 shall be dispersed among the various classes of guest rooms, and shall provide choices of types of guest rooms, number of beds, and other amenities comparable to the choices provided to other guests. Where the minimum number of guest rooms required to comply with 806 is not sufficient to allow for complete dispersion, guest rooms shall be dispersed in the following priority:  guest room type, number of beds, and amenities.  At least one guest room required to provide mobility features complying with 806.2 shall also provide communication features complying with 806.3. Not more than 10 percent of guest rooms required to provide mobility features complying with 806.2 shall be used to satisfy the minimum number of guest rooms required to provide communication features complying with 806.3.

Advisory F224.5 Dispersion.  Factors to be considered in providing an equivalent range of options may include, but are not limited to, room size, bed size, cost, view, bathroom fixtures such as hot tubs and spas, smoking and nonsmoking, and the number of rooms provided.

F225 Storage

F225.1 General.  Storage facilities shall comply with F225.

F225.2 Storage.  Where storage is provided in accessible spaces, at least one of each type shall comply with 811.

Advisory F225.2 Storage.  Types of storage include, but are not limited to, closets, cabinets, shelves, clothes rods, hooks, and drawers.  Where provided, at least one of each type of storage must be within the reach ranges specified in 308; however, it is permissible to install additional storage outside the reach ranges.

F225.2.1 Lockers.  Where lockers are provided, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one of each type, shall comply with 811.

Advisory F225.2.1 Lockers.  Different types of lockers may include full-size and half-size lockers, as well as those specifically designed for storage of various sports equipment.

F225.2.2 Self-Service Shelving.  Self-service shelves shall be located on an accessible route complying with 402.  Self-service shelving shall not be required to comply with 308.

Advisory F225.2.2 Self-Service Shelving.  Self-service shelves include, but are not limited to, library, store, or post office shelves.

F225.3 Self-Service Storage Facilities.  Self-service storage facilities shall provide individual self-service storage spaces complying with these requirements in accordance with Table F225.3.

Table F225.3 Self-Service Storage Facilities
Total Spaces in FacilityMinimum Number of
Spaces Required to be Accessible
1 to 200 5 percent, but no fewer than 1
201 and over 10, plus 2 percent
of total number of units over 200

Advisory F225.3 Self-Service Storage Facilities.  Although there are no technical requirements that are unique to self-service storage facilities, elements and spaces provided in facilities containing self-service storage spaces required to comply with these requirements must comply with this document where applicable.  For example:  the number of storage spaces required to comply with these requirements must provide accessible Routes complying with Section F206; Accessible Means of Egress complying with Section F207; Parking Spaces complying with Section F208; and, where provided, other public use or common use elements and facilities such as toilet rooms, drinking fountains, and telephones must comply with the applicable requirements of this document.

F225.3.1 Dispersion.  Individual self-service storage spaces shall be dispersed throughout the various classes of spaces provided.  Where more classes of spaces are provided than the number required to be accessible, the number of spaces shall not be required to exceed that required by Table F225.3.  Self-service storage spaces complying with Table F225.3 shall not be required to be dispersed among buildings in a multi-building facility.

F226 Dining Surfaces and Work Surfaces

F226.1 General.  Where dining surfaces are provided for the consumption of food or drink, at least 5 percent of the seating spaces and standing spaces at the dining surfaces shall comply with 902.  In addition, where work surfaces are provided, at least 5 percent shall comply with 902.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Sales counters and service counters shall not be required to comply with 902.

2.  Check writing surfaces provided at check-out aisles not required to comply with 904.3 shall not be required to comply with 902.

Advisory F226.1 General.  In facilities covered by the ABA, this requirement applies to work surfaces used by employees. Five percent, but not less than one, of permanently installed work surfaces in each work area must be accessible.  Permanently installed work surfaces include, but are not limited to, laboratory and work benches, fume hoods, reception counters, teller windows, study carrels, commercial kitchen counters, writing surfaces, and fixed conference tables.  Where furnishings are not fixed, Sections 501, 503, and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended provides that Federal employees, employees of Federal contractors, and certain other employees, are entitled to "reasonable accommodations." This means that employers may need to procure or adjust furnishings to accommodate the individual needs of employees with disabilities on an "as needed" basis.  Consider work surfaces that are flexible and permit installation at variable heights and clearances.

F226.2 Dispersion.  Dining surfaces and work surfaces required to comply with 902 shall be dispersed throughout the space or facility containing dining surfaces and work surfaces.

F227 Sales and Service

F227.1 General.  Where provided, check-out aisles, sales counters, service counters, food service lines, queues, and waiting lines shall comply with F227 and 904.

F227.2 Check-Out Aisles.  Where check-out aisles are provided, check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be provided in accordance with Table F227.2.  Where check-out aisles serve different functions, check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be provided in accordance with Table F227.2 for each function.  Where check-out aisles are dispersed throughout the building or facility, check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be dispersed.

EXCEPTION:  Where the selling space is under 5000 square feet (465 m2) no more than one check-out aisle complying with 904.3 shall be required.

Table F227.2 Check-Out Aisles
Number of Check-Out Aisles
of Each Function
Minimum Number of Check-Out Aisles
of Each Function
Required to Comply with 904.3
1 to 4 1
5 to 8 2
9 to 15 3
16 and over 3, plus 20 percent of additional aisles

F227.2.1 Altered Check-Out Aisles.  Where check-out aisles are altered, at least one of each check-out aisle serving each function shall comply with 904.3 until the number of check-out aisles complies with F227.2.

F227.3 Counters.  Where provided, at least one of each type of sales counter and service counter shall comply with 904.4.  Where counters are dispersed throughout the building or facility, counters complying with 904.4 also shall be dispersed.

Advisory F227.3 Counters.  Types of counters that provide different services in the same facility include, but are not limited to, order, pick-up, express, and returns.  One continuous counter can be used to provide different types of service.  For example, order and pick-up are different services.  It would not be acceptable to provide access only to the part of the counter where orders are taken when orders are picked-up at a different location on the same counter.  Both the order and pick-up section of the counter must be accessible.

F227.4 Food Service Lines.  Food service lines shall comply with 904.5.  Where self-service shelves are provided, at least 50 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type provided shall comply with 308.

F227.5 Queues and Waiting Lines.  Queues and waiting lines servicing counters or check-out aisles required to comply with 904.3 or 904.4 shall comply with 403.

F228 Depositories, Vending Machines, Change Machines, Mail Boxes, and Fuel Dispensers

F228.1 General.  Where provided, at least one of each type of depository, vending machine, change machine, and fuel dispenser shall comply with 309.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Drive-up only depositories shall not be required to comply with 309.

2.  Fuel dispensers provided for fueling official government vehicles shall not be required to comply with 309.

Advisory F228.1 General.  Depositories include, but are not limited to, night receptacles in banks, post offices, video stores, and libraries.

F228.2 Mail Boxes.  Where mail boxes are provided in an interior location, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type shall comply with 309.  In facilities with residential dwelling units, where mail boxes are provided for each residential dwelling unit, mail boxes complying with 309 shall be provided for each residential dwelling unit required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2.

F229 Windows

F229.1 General.  Where glazed openings are provided in accessible rooms or spaces for operation by occupants, excluding employees, at least one opening shall comply with 309.  In accessible rooms or spaces, each glazed opening required by an administrative authority to be operable shall comply with 309.

EXCEPTION: 1.  Glazed openings in residential dwelling units required to comply with 809 shall not be required to comply with F229.

2.  Glazed openings in guest rooms required to provide communication features and in guest rooms required to comply with F206.5.3 shall not be required to comply with F229.

F230 Two-Way Communication Systems

F230.1 General.  Where a two-way communication system is provided to gain admittance to a building or facility or to restricted areas within a building or facility, the system shall comply with 708.

Advisory F230.1 General.  This requirement applies to facilities such as office buildings, courthouses, and other facilities where admittance to the building or restricted spaces is dependent on two-way communication systems.

F231 Judicial Facilities

F231.1 General.  Judicial facilities shall comply with F231.

F231.2 Courtrooms.  Each courtroom shall comply with 808.

F231.3 Holding Cells.  Where provided, central holding cells and court-floor holding cells shall comply with F231.3.

F231.3.1 Central Holding Cells.  Where separate central holding cells are provided for adult male, juvenile male, adult female, or juvenile female, one of each type shall comply with 807.2.  Where central holding cells are provided and are not separated by age or sex, at least one cell complying with 807.2 shall be provided.

F231.3.2 Court-Floor Holding Cells.  Where separate court-floor holding cells are provided for adult male, juvenile male, adult female, or juvenile female, each courtroom shall be served by one cell of each type complying with 807.2.  Where court-floor holding cells are provided and are not separated by age or sex, courtrooms shall be served by at least one cell complying with 807.2.  Cells may serve more than one courtroom.

F231.4 Visiting Areas.  Visiting areas shall comply with F231.4.

F231.4.1 Cubicles and Counters.  At least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of cubicles shall comply with 902 on both the visitor and detainee sides.  Where counters are provided, at least one shall comply with 904.4.2 on both the visitor and detainee sides.

EXCEPTION:  The detainee side of cubicles or counters at non-contact visiting areas not serving holding cells required to comply with F231 shall not be required to comply with 902 or 904.4.2.

F231.4.2 Partitions.  Where solid partitions or security glazing separate visitors from detainees at least one of each type of cubicle or counter partition shall comply with 904.6.

F232 Detention Facilities and Correctional Facilities

F232.1 General.  Buildings, facilities, or portions thereof, in which people are detained for penal or correction purposes, or in which the liberty of the inmates is restricted for security reasons shall comply with F232.

Advisory F232.1 General.  Detention facilities include, but are not limited to, jails, detention centers, and holding cells in police stations.  Correctional facilities include, but are not limited to, prisons, reformatories, and correctional centers.

F232.2 General Holding Cells and General Housing Cells.  General holding cells and general housing cells shall be provided in accordance with F232.2.

EXCEPTION:  Alterations to cells shall not be required to comply except to the extent determined by regulations issued by the appropriate Federal agency having authority under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Advisory F232.2 General Holding Cells and General Housing Cells.  Accessible cells or rooms should be dispersed among different levels of security, housing categories, and holding classifications (e.g., male/female and adult/juvenile) to facilitate access. Many detention and correctional facilities are designed so that certain areas (e.g., "shift" areas) can be adapted to serve as different types of housing according to need.  For example, a shift area serving as a medium-security housing unit might be redesignated for a period of time as a high-security housing unit to meet capacity needs.  Placement of accessible cells or rooms in shift areas may allow additional flexibility in meeting requirements for dispersion of accessible cells or rooms.

Advisory F232.2 General Holding Cells and General Housing Cells Exception.  Although these requirements do not specify that cells be accessible as a consequence of an alteration, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended requires that each service, program, or activity conducted by a Federal agency, when viewed in its entirety, be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.  This requirement must be met unless doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of a service, program, or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens.

F232.2.1 Cells with Mobility Features.  At least 2 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of cells in a facility shall provide mobility features complying with 807.2.

F232.2.1.1 Beds.  In cells having more than 25 beds, at least 5 percent of the beds shall have clear floor space complying with 807.2.3.

F232.2.2 Cells with Communication Features.  At least 2 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of general holding cells and general housing cells equipped with audible emergency alarm systems and permanently installed telephones within the cell shall provide communication features complying with 807.3.

F232.3 Special Holding Cells and Special Housing Cells.  Where special holding cells or special housing cells are provided, at least one cell serving each purpose shall provide mobility features complying with 807.2.  Cells subject to this requirement include, but are not limited to, those used for purposes of orientation, protective custody, administrative or disciplinary detention or segregation, detoxification, and medical isolation.

EXCEPTION:  Alterations to cells shall not be required to comply except to the extent determined by regulations issued by the appropriate Federal agency having authority under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

F232.4 Medical Care Facilities.  Patient bedrooms or cells required to comply with F223 shall be provided in addition to any medical isolation cells required to comply with F232.3.

F232.5 Visiting Areas.  Visiting areas shall comply with F232.5.

F232.5.1 Cubicles and Counters.  At least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of cubicles shall comply with 902 on both the visitor and detainee sides.  Where counters are provided, at least one shall comply with 904.4.2 on both the visitor and detainee or inmate sides.

EXCEPTION:  The inmate or detainee side of cubicles or counters at non-contact visiting areas not serving holding cells or housing cells required to comply with F232 shall not be required to comply with 902 or 904.4.2.

F232.5.2 Partitions.  Where solid partitions or security glazing separate visitors from detainees or inmates at least one of each type of cubicle or counter partition shall comply with 904.6.

F233 Residential Facilities

F233.1 General.  Facilities with residential dwelling units shall comply with F233.

Advisory F233.1 General.  Section F233 outlines the requirements for residential facilities subject to the Architectural Barriers Act.  The facilities covered by Section F233, as well as other facilities not covered by this section, may still be subject to other Federal laws such as the Fair Housing Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.  For example, the Fair Housing Act requires that certain residential structures having four or more multi-family dwelling units, regardless of whether they are privately owned or federally assisted, include certain features of accessible and adaptable design according to guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  These laws and the appropriate regulations should be consulted before proceeding with the design and construction of residential facilities.

Residential facilities containing residential dwelling units provided by entities subject to HUD's Section 504 regulations and residential dwelling units covered by Section F233.3 must comply with the technical and scoping requirements in Chapters 1 through 10 included this document. Section F233 is not a stand-alone section; this section only addresses the minimum number of residential dwelling units within a facility required to comply with Chapter 8.  However, residential facilities must also comply with the requirements of this document.  For example: Section F206.5.4 requires all doors and doorways providing user passage in residential dwelling units providing mobility features to comply with Section 404; Section F206.7.6 permits platform lifts to be used to connect levels within residential dwelling units providing mobility features; Section F208 provides general scoping for accessible parking and Section F208.2.3.1 specifies the required number of accessible parking spaces for each residential dwelling unit providing mobility features; Section F228.2 requires mail boxes to be within reach ranges when they serve residential dwelling units providing mobility features; play areas are addressed in Section F240; and swimming pools are addressed in Section F242. There are special provisions applicable to facilities containing residential dwelling units at: Exception 3 to F202.3; Exception to F202.4; F203.9; and Exception 3 to F206.2.3.

F233.2 Residential Dwelling Units Provided by HUD or Through Grant or Loan Programs Administered by HUD.  Where facilities with residential dwelling units are provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or through a grant or loan program administered by HUD, residential dwelling units with mobility features complying with 809.2 shall be provided in a number required by the regulations issued by HUD under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.   Residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 shall be on an accessible route as required by F206.  In addition, residential dwelling units with communication features complying with 809.3 shall be provided in a number required by the applicable HUD regulations. Residential dwelling units subject to F233.2 shall not be required to comply with F233.3 or F233.4.

Advisory F233.2 Residential Dwelling Units Provided by HUD or Through Grant or Loan Programs Administered by HUD.  Section F233.2 requires that entities subject to HUD's regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provide residential dwelling units containing mobility features and residential dwelling units containing communication features complying with these regulations in a number specified in HUD's Section 504 regulations.  Further, the residential dwelling units provided must be dispersed according to HUD's Section 504 criteria. In addition, Section F233.2 defers to HUD the specification of criteria by which the technical requirements of this document will apply to alterations of existing facilities subject to HUD's Section 504 regulations.

F233.3 Residential Dwelling Units Provided on Military Installations.  Military installations with residential dwelling units shall comply with F233.3.  Residential dwelling units on military installations subject to F233.3 shall not be required to comply with F233.2 or F233.4.

F233.3.1 Residential Dwelling Units with Mobility Features.  Facilities on military installations containing residential dwelling units, other than emergency transportable housing units, shall comply with F233.3.1.1.  Facilities on military installations containing emergency transportable housing units shall comply with F233.3.1.2.

F233.3.1.1 Facilities Other Than Those Containing Emergency Transportable Housing Units.  At least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of residential dwelling units, other than emergency transportable housing units, in the facility shall provide mobility features complying with 809.2 and shall be on an accessible route as required by F206.

F233.3.1.2 Facilities Containing Emergency Transportable Housing Units.  Entities shall provide emergency transportable housing units with mobility features complying with 809.2 as determined by a needs assessment conducted by the entity providing the emergency transportable housing units.

F233.3.2 Residential Dwelling Units with Communication Features. Facilities on military installations, other than those containing emergency transportable housing units, shall comply with F233.3.2.1. Facilities on military installations containing emergency transportable housing units shall comply with F233.3.2.2.

F233.3.2.1 Facilities Other Than Those Containing Emergency Transportable Housing Units. At least 2 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of residential dwelling units, other than emergency transportable housing units, in the facility shall provide communication features complying with 809.3.

F233.3.2.2 Facilities Containing Emergency Transportable Housing Units. Entities shall provide emergency transportable housing units with residential dwelling unit smoke alarms complying with 809.3.1 and, where weather alert systems are provided, with weather alert systems complying with 809.3.4 as determined by a needs assessment conducted by the entity providing the emergency transportable housing units.

F233.3.3 Additions.  Where an addition to an existing building results in an increase in the number of residential dwelling units, the requirements of F233.3.1.1 and F233.3.2.1 shall apply only to the residential dwelling units that are added until the total number of residential dwelling units complies with the minimum number required by F233.3.1.1 and F233.3.2.1.  Residential dwelling units required to comply with F233.3.1.1 shall be on an accessible route as required by F206.

F233.3.4 AlterationsAlterations shall comply with F233.3.4.

EXCEPTION:  Where compliance with 809.2.1, 809.2.3, or 809.2.4 is technically infeasible, or where it is technically infeasible to provide an accessible route to a residential dwelling unit, the entity shall be permitted to alter or construct a comparable residential dwelling unit to comply with 809.2 provided that the minimum number of residential dwelling units required by F233.3.1.1 and F233.3.2.1, as applicable, is satisfied.

F233.3.4.1 Alterations to Vacated Buildings.  Where a building is vacated for the purposes of alteration, at least 5 percent of the residential dwelling units shall comply with 809.2 and shall be on an accessible route as required by F206.  In addition, at least 2 percent of the residential dwelling units shall comply with 809.3.

F233.3.4.2 Alterations to Individual Residential Dwelling Units.  In individual residential dwelling units, where a bathroom or a kitchen is substantially altered, and at least one other room is altered, the requirements of F233.3.1 shall apply to the altered residential dwelling units until the total number of residential dwelling units complies with the minimum number required by F233.3.1.1 and F233.3.2.1.  Residential dwelling units required to comply with F233.3.1.1 shall be on an accessible route as required by F206.

F233.3.5 Dispersion.  Residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 and residential dwelling units required to provide communication features complying with 809.3 shall be dispersed among the various types of residential dwelling units in the facility and shall provide choices of residential dwelling units comparable to, and integrated with, those available to other residents.

EXCEPTIONS 1:  Where multi-story residential dwelling units are one of the types of residential dwelling units provided, one-story residential dwelling units shall be permitted as a substitute for multi-story residential dwelling units where equivalent spaces and amenities are provided in the one-story residential dwelling unit.

2. Emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 shall not be required to be dispersed among the various types of residential dwelling units in a facility or to provide choices of residential dwelling units comparable to those available to other residents.

F233.4 Residential Dwelling Units Provided by Other Federal Agencies or Through Grant or Loan Programs Administered by Other Federal Agencies.  Facilities with residential dwelling units provided by other federal agencies or through grant or loan programs administered by other federal agencies shall comply with F233.4.  Residential dwelling units subject to F233.4 shall not be required to comply with F233.2 or F233.3.

F233.4.1 Residential Dwelling Units with Mobility Features.  Facilities, other than those containing emergency transportable housing units, shall comply with F233.4.1.1.  Facilities containing emergency transportable housing units shall comply with F233.4.1.2.

F233.4.1.1 Facilities Other Than Those Containing Emergency Transportable Housing Units. At least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of residential dwelling units, other than emergency transportable housing units, in the facility shall provide mobility features complying with 809.2 and shall be on an accessible route as required by F206.

EXCEPTION: Where facilities contain 15 or fewer residential dwelling units, the requirements of F233.4.1.1 shall apply to the total number of residential dwelling units that are constructed under a single contract, or are developed as a whole, whether or not located on a common site.

F233.4.1.2 Facilities Containing Emergency Transportable Housing Units. Emergency transportable housing units with mobility features shall be provided in accordance with F233.4.1.2.

F233.4.1.2.1 Private Sites Provided by Occupant of Unit. Where emergency transportable housing units are installed on private sites provided by the occupant of the unit, entities shall provide emergency transportable housing units with mobility features complying with 809.2 as determined by a needs assessment conducted by the entity providing the emergency transportable housing units.

F233.4.1.2.2 Group Sites. Where group sites are developed for the installation of emergency transportable housing units, entities shall comply with F233.3.1.2.2.

F233.4.1.2.2.1 Unit Pads. At least 10 percent, but no fewer than one, of the unit pads prepared for the installation of emergency transportable housing units at each group site shall be designed and constructed to accept the installation of emergency transportable housing units with mobility features complying with 809.2 and shall be on an accessible route as required by F206.

F233.4.1.2.2.2 Units Installed. At least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of the emergency transportable housing units installed at each group site shall provide mobility features complying with 809.2.

F233.4.2 Residential Dwelling Units with Communication Features. Facilities, other than those containing emergency transportable housing units, shall comply with F233.4.2.1. Facilities containing emergency transportable housing units shall comply with F233.4.2.2.

F233.4.2.1 Facilities Other Than Those Containing Emergency Transportable Housing Units. At least 2 percent, but no fewer than one, of the total number of residential dwelling units, other than emergency transportable housing units, in the facility shall provide communication features complying with 809.3.

EXCEPTION: Where facilities contain 15 or fewer residential dwelling units, the requirements of F233.4.2.1 shall apply to the total number of residential dwelling units that are constructed under a single contract, or are developed as a whole, whether or not located on a common site.

F233.4.2.2 Facilities Containing Emergency Transportable Housing Units. Entities shall provide emergency transportable housing units with residential dwelling unit smoke alarms complying with 809.3.1 and, where weather alert systems are provided, with weather alert systems complying with 809.3.4 as determined by a needs assessment conducted by the entity providing the emergency transportable housing units.

F233.4.3 Residential Dwelling Units for Sale.  Residential dwelling units offered for sale shall provide accessible features to the extent required by regulations issued by Federal agencies under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Advisory F233.4.3 Residential Dwelling Units for Sale.  An agency that uses federal funds or an entity that receives federal financial assistance to build housing for purchase by individual home buyers must provide access according to the requirements of the applicable Section 504 regulations.

F233.4.4 Additions.  Where an addition to an existing building results in an increase in the number of residential dwelling units, the requirements of F233.4.1.1 and F233.4.2.1 shall apply only to the residential dwelling units that are added until the total number of residential dwelling units complies with the minimum number required by F233.4.1.1 and F233.4.2.1.  Residential dwelling units required to comply with F233.4.1.1 shall be on an accessible route as required by F206.

F233.4.5 AlterationsAlterations shall comply with F233.4.5.

EXCEPTION:  Where compliance with 809.2.1, 809.2.2, or 809.2.3 is technically infeasible, or where it is technically infeasible to provide an accessible route to a residential dwelling unit, the entity shall be permitted to alter or construct a comparable residential dwelling unit to comply with 809.2 provided that the minimum number of residential dwelling units required by F233.4.1.1 and F233.4.2.1, as applicable, is satisfied.

Advisory F233.4.5 Alterations Exception.  A substituted dwelling unit must be comparable to the dwelling unit that is not made accessible.  Factors to be considered in comparing one dwelling unit to another should include the number of bedrooms; amenities provided within the dwelling unit; types of common spaces provided within the facility; and location with respect to community resources and services, such as public transportation and civic, recreational, and mercantile facilities.

F233.4.5.1 Alterations to Vacated Buildings.  Where a building is vacated for the purposes of alteration, and the altered building contains more than 15 residential dwelling units, at least 5 percent of the residential dwelling units shall comply with 809.2 and shall be on an accessible route as required by F206.  In addition, at least 2 percent of the residential dwelling units shall comply with 809.3.

Advisory F233.4.5.1 Alterations to Vacated Buildings.  This provision is intended to apply where a building is vacated with the intent to alter the building.  Buildings that are vacated solely for pest control or asbestos removal are not subject to the requirements to provide residential dwelling units with mobility features or communication features.

F233.4.5.2 Alterations to Individual Residential Dwelling Units. In individual residential dwelling units, where a bathroom or a kitchen is substantially altered, and at least one other room is altered, the requirements of F233.4.1 shall apply to the altered residential dwelling units until the total number of residential dwelling units complies with the minimum number required by F233.4.1.1 and F233.4.2.1. Residential dwelling units required to comply with F233.4.1.1 shall be on an accessible route as required by F206.

EXCEPTION:  Where facilities contain 15 or fewer residential dwelling units, the requirements of F233.4.1.1 and F233.4.2.1 shall apply to the total number of residential dwelling units that are altered under a single contract, or are developed as a whole, whether or not located on a common site.

Advisory F233.4.5.2 Alterations to Individual Residential Dwelling Units.  Section F233.4.4.2 uses the terms "substantially altered" and "altered." A substantial alteration to a kitchen or bathroom includes, but is not limited to, alterations that are changes to or rearrangements in the plan configuration, or replacement of cabinetry.  Substantial alterations do not include normal maintenance or appliance and fixture replacement, unless such maintenance or replacement requires changes to or rearrangements in the plan configuration, or replacement of cabinetry.  The term "alteration" is defined in Section F106 of these requirements.

F233.4.6 Dispersion.  Residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 and residential dwelling units required to provide communication features complying with 809.3 shall be dispersed among the various types of residential dwelling units in the facility and shall provide choices of residential dwelling units comparable to, and integrated with, those available to other residents.

EXCEPTIONS 1:  Where multi-story residential dwelling units are one of the types of residential dwelling units provided, one-story residential dwelling units shall be permitted as a substitute for multi-story residential dwelling units where equivalent spaces and amenities are provided in the one-story residential dwelling unit.

2. Emergency transportable housing units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 shall not be required to be dispersed among the various types of residential dwelling units in a facility or to provide choices of residential dwelling units comparable to those available to other residents.

F234 Amusement Rides

F234.1 General.  Amusement rides shall comply with F234.

EXCEPTION:  Mobile or portable amusement rides shall not be required to comply with F234.

Advisory F234.1 General.  These requirements apply generally to newly designed and constructed amusement rides and attractions.  A custom designed and constructed ride is new upon its first use, which is the first time amusement park patrons take the ride.  With respect to amusement rides purchased from other entities, new refers to the first permanent installation of the ride, whether it is used off the shelf or modified before it is installed.  Where amusement rides are moved after several seasons to another area of the park or to another park, the ride would not be considered newly designed or newly constructed.

Some amusement rides and attractions that have unique designs and features are not addressed by these requirements.  In those situations, these requirements are to be applied to the extent possible.  An example of an amusement ride not specifically addressed by these requirements includes "virtual reality" rides where the device does not move through a fixed course within a defined area.  An accessible route must be provided to these rides.  Where an attraction or ride has unique features for which there are no applicable scoping provisions, then a reasonable number, but at least one, of the features must be located on an accessible route.  Where there are appropriate technical provisions, they must be applied to the elements that are covered by the scoping provisions.

Advisory F234.1 General Exception.  Mobile or temporary rides are those set up for short periods of time such as traveling carnivals, State and county fairs, and festivals.  The amusement rides that are covered by F234.1 are ones that are not regularly assembled and disassembled.

F234.2 Load and Unload Areas.  Load and unload areas serving amusement rides shall comply with 1002.3.

F234.3 Minimum Number.  Amusement rides shall provide at least one wheelchair space complying with 1002.4, or at least one amusement ride seat designed for transfer complying with 1002.5, or at least one transfer device complying with 1002.6.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Amusement rides that are controlled or operated by the rider shall not be required to comply with F234.3.

2.  Amusement rides designed primarily for children, where children are assisted on and off the ride by an adult, shall not be required to comply with F234.3.

3.  Amusement rides that do not provide amusement ride seats shall not be required to comply with F234.3.

Advisory F234.3 Minimum Number Exceptions 1 through 3.  Amusement rides controlled or operated by the rider, designed for children, or rides without ride seats are not required to comply with F234.3.  These rides are not exempt from the other provisions in F234 requiring an accessible route to the load and unload areas and to the ride.  The exception does not apply to those rides where patrons may cause the ride to make incidental movements, but where the patron otherwise has no control over the ride.

Advisory F234.3 Minimum Number Exception 2.  The exception is limited to those rides designed "primarily" for children, where children are assisted on and off the ride by an adult.  This exception is limited to those rides designed for children and not for the occasional adult user.  An accessible route to and turning space in the load and unload area will provide access for adults and family members assisting children on and off these rides.

F234.4 Existing Amusement Rides.  Where existing amusement rides are altered, the alteration shall comply with F234.4.

Advisory F234.4 Existing Amusement Rides.  Routine maintenance, painting, and changing of theme boards are examples of activities that do not constitute an alteration subject to this section.

F234.4.1 Load and Unload Areas.  Where load and unload areas serving existing amusement rides are newly designed and constructed, the load and unload areas shall comply with 1002.3.

F234.4.2 Minimum Number.  Where the structural or operational characteristics of an amusement ride are altered to the extent that the amusement ride's performance differs from that specified by the manufacturer or the original design, the amusement ride shall comply with F234.3.

F235 Recreational Boating Facilities

F235.1 General.  Recreational boating facilities shall comply with F235.

F235.2 Boat Slips.  Boat slips complying with 1003.3.1 shall be provided in accordance with Table F235.2.  Where the number of boat slips is not identified, each 40 feet (12 m) of boat slip edge provided along the perimeter of the pier shall be counted as one boat slip for the purpose of this section.

Table F235.2 Boat Slips
Total Number of Boat Slips
Provided in Facility
Minimum Number of
Required Accessible Boat Slips
1 to 25 1
26 to 50 2
51 to 100 3
101 to 150 4
151 to 300 5
301 to 400 6
401 to 500 7
501 to 600 8
601 to 700 9
701 to 800 10
801 to 900 11
901 to 1000 12
1001 and over 12, plus 1 for every 100,
or fraction thereof, over 1000

Advisory F235.2 Boat Slips.  The requirement for boat slips also applies to piers where boat slips are not demarcated.  For example, a single pier 25 feet (7620 mm) long and 5 feet (1525 mm) wide (the minimum width specified by Section 1003.3) allows boats to moor on three sides.  Because the number of boat slips is not demarcated, the total length of boat slip edge (55 feet, 17 m) must be used to determine the number of boat slips provided (two).  This number is based on the specification in Section F235.2 that each 40 feet (12 m) of boat slip edge, or fraction thereof, counts as one boat slip.  In this example, Table F235.2 would require one boat slip to be accessible.

F235.2.1 Dispersion.  Boat slips complying with 1003.3.1 shall be dispersed throughout the various types of boat slips provided.  Where the minimum number of boat slips required to comply with 1003.3.1 has been met, no further dispersion shall be required.

Advisory F235.2.1 Dispersion.  Types of boat slips are based on the size of the boat slips; whether single berths or double berths, shallow water or deep water, transient or longer-term lease, covered or uncovered; and whether slips are equipped with features such as telephone, water, electricity or cable connections.  The term "boat slip" is intended to cover any pier area other than launch ramp boarding piers where recreational boats are moored for purposes of berthing, embarking, or disembarking.  For example, a fuel pier may contain boat slips, and this type of short term slip would be included in determining compliance with F235.2.

F235.3 Boarding Piers at Boat Launch Ramps.  Where boarding piers are provided at boat launch ramps, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of the boarding piers shall comply with 1003.3.2.

F236 Exercise Machines and Equipment

F236.1 General.  At least one of each type of exercise machine and equipment shall comply with 1004.

Advisory F236.1 General.  Most strength training equipment and machines are considered different types.  Where operators provide a biceps curl machine and cable cross-over machine, both machines are required to meet the provisions in this section, even though an individual may be able to work on their biceps through both types of equipment.

Similarly, there are many types of cardiovascular exercise machines, such as stationary bicycles, rowing machines, stair climbers, and treadmills.  Each machine provides a cardiovascular exercise and is considered a different type for purposes of these requirements.

F237 Fishing Piers and Platforms

F237.1 General.  Fishing piers and platforms shall comply with 1005.

F238 Golf Facilities

F238.1 General.  Golf facilities shall comply with F238.

F238.2 Golf Courses.  Golf courses shall comply with F238.2.

F238.2.1 Teeing Grounds.  Where one teeing ground is provided for a hole, the teeing ground shall be designed and constructed so that a golf car can enter and exit the teeing ground.  Where two teeing grounds are provided for a hole, the forward teeing ground shall be designed and constructed so that a golf car can enter and exit the teeing ground.  Where three or more teeing grounds are provided for a hole, at least two teeing grounds, including the forward teeing ground, shall be designed and constructed so that a golf car can enter and exit each teeing ground.

EXCEPTION:  In existing golf courses, the forward teeing ground shall not be required to be one of the teeing grounds on a hole designed and constructed so that a golf car can enter and exit the teeing ground where compliance is not feasible due to terrain.

F238.2.2 Putting Greens.  Putting greens shall be designed and constructed so that a golf car can enter and exit the putting green.

F238.2.3 Weather Shelters.  Where provided, weather shelters shall be designed and constructed so that a golf car can enter and exit the weather shelter and shall comply with 1006.4.

F238.3 Practice Putting Greens, Practice Teeing Grounds, and Teeing Stations at Driving Ranges.  At least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of practice putting greens, practice teeing grounds, and teeing stations at driving ranges shall be designed and constructed so that a golf car can enter and exit the practice putting greens, practice teeing grounds, and teeing stations at driving ranges.

F239 Miniature Golf Facilities

F239.1 General.  Miniature golf facilities shall comply with F239.

F239.2 Minimum Number.  At least 50 percent of holes on miniature golf courses shall comply with 1007.3.

Advisory F239.2 Minimum Number.  Where possible, providing access to all holes on a miniature golf course is recommended.  If a course is designed with the minimum 50 percent accessible holes, designers or operators are encouraged to select holes which provide for an equivalent experience to the maximum extent possible.

F239.3 Miniature Golf Course Configuration.  Miniature golf courses shall be configured so that the holes complying with 1007.3 are consecutive.  Miniature golf courses shall provide an accessible route from the last hole complying with 1007.3 to the course entrance or exit without requiring travel through any other holes on the course.

EXCEPTION:  One break in the sequence of consecutive holes shall be permitted provided that the last hole on the miniature golf course is the last hole in the sequence.

Advisory F239.3 Miniature Golf Course Configuration.  Where only the minimum 50 percent of the holes are accessible, an accessible route from the last accessible hole to the course exit or entrance must not require travel back through other holes.  In some cases, this may require an additional accessible route.  Other options include increasing the number of accessible holes in a way that limits the distance needed to connect the last accessible hole with the course exit or entrance.

F240 Play Areas

F240.1 General.  Play areas for children ages 2 and over shall comply with F240.  Where separate play areas are provided within a site for specific age groups, each play area shall comply with F240.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Play areas located in family child care facilities where the proprietor actually resides shall not be required to comply with F240.

2.  In existing play areas, where play components are relocated for the purposes of creating safe use zones and the ground surface is not altered or extended for more than one use zone, the play area shall not be required to comply with F240.

3.  Amusement attractions shall not be required to comply with F240.

4.  Where play components are altered and the ground surface is not altered, the ground surface shall not be required to comply with 1008.2.6 unless required by F202.4.

Advisory F240.1 General.  Play areas may be located on exterior sites or within a building.  Where separate play areas are provided within a site for children in specified age groups (e.g., preschool (ages 2 to 5) and school age (ages 5 to 12)), each play area must comply with this section.  Where play areas are provided for the same age group on a site but are geographically separated (e.g., one is located next to a picnic area and another is located next to a softball field), they are considered separate play areas and each play area must comply with this section.

F240.1.1 Additions.  Where play areas are designed and constructed in phases, the requirements of F240 shall apply to each successive addition so that when the addition is completed, the entire play area complies with all the applicable requirements of F240.

Advisory F240.1.1 Additions.  These requirements are to be applied so that when each successive addition is completed, the entire play area complies with all applicable provisions.  For example, a play area is built in two phases.  In the first phase, there are 10 elevated play components and 10 elevated play components are added in the second phase for a total of 20 elevated play components in the play area.  When the first phase was completed, at least 5 elevated play components, including at least 3 different types, were to be provided on an accessible route.  When the second phase is completed, at least 10 elevated play components must be located on an accessible route, and at least 7 ground level play components, including 4 different types, must be provided on an accessible route.  At the time the second phase is complete, ramps must be used to connect at least 5 of the elevated play components and transfer systems are permitted to be used to connect the rest of the elevated play components required to be located on an accessible route.

F240.2 Play Components.  Where provided, play components shall comply with F240.2.

F240.2.1 Ground Level Play Components.  Ground level play components shall be provided in the number and types required by F240.2.1.  Ground level play components that are provided to comply with F240.2.1.1 shall be permitted to satisfy the additional number required by F240.2.1.2 if the minimum required types of play components are satisfied.  Where two or more required ground level play components are provided, they shall be dispersed throughout the play area and integrated with other play components.

Advisory F240.2.1 Ground Level Play Components.  Examples of ground level play components may include spring rockers, swings, diggers, and stand-alone slides.  When distinguishing between the different types of ground level play components, consider the general experience provided by the play component.  Examples of different types of experiences include, but are not limited to, rocking, swinging, climbing, spinning, and sliding.  A spiral slide may provide a slightly different experience from a straight slide, but sliding is the general experience and therefore a spiral slide is not considered a different type of play component from a straight slide.

Ground level play components accessed by children with disabilities must be integrated into the play area.  Designers should consider the optimal layout of ground level play components accessed by children with disabilities to foster interaction and socialization among all children. Grouping all ground level play components accessed by children with disabilities in one location is not considered integrated.

Where a stand-alone slide is provided, an accessible route must connect the base of the stairs at the entry point to the exit point of the slide.  A ramp or transfer system to the top of the slide is not required.  Where a sand box is provided, an accessible route must connect to the border of the sand box.  Accessibility to the sand box would be enhanced by providing a transfer system into the sand or by providing a raised sand table with knee clearance complying with 1008.4.3.

Ramps are preferred over transfer systems since not all children who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices may be able to use, or may choose not to use, transfer systems.

Where ramps connect elevated play components, the maximum rise of any ramp run is limited to 12 inches (305 mm). Where possible, designers and operators are encouraged to provide ramps with a slope less than the 1:12 maximum. Berms or sculpted dirt may be used to provide elevation and may be part of an accessible route to composite play structures.

Platform lifts are permitted as a part of an accessible route.  Because lifts must be independently operable, operators should carefully consider the appropriateness of their use in unsupervised settings.

F240.2.1.1 Minimum Number and Types.  Where ground level play components are provided, at least one of each type shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with 1008.4.

F240.2.1.2 Additional Number and Types.  Where elevated play components are provided, ground level play components shall be provided in accordance with Table F240.2.1.2 and shall comply with 1008.4.

EXCEPTION:  If at least 50 percent of the elevated play components are connected by a ramp and at least 3 of the elevated play components connected by the ramp are different types of play components, the play area shall not be required to comply with F240.2.1.2.

Table F240.2.1.2 Number and Types of Ground Level Play Components
Required to be on accessible Routes
Number of
Elevated Play Components
Provided
Minimum Number of
Ground Level Play Components
Required to be
on an Accessible Route
Minimum Number of
Different Types of
Ground Level Play Components
Required to be
on an Accessible Route
1 Not applicable Not applicable
2 to 4 1 1
5 to 7 2 2
8 to 10 3 3
11 to 13 4 3
14 to 16 5 3
17 to 19 6 3
20 to 22 7 4
23 to 25 8 4
26 and over 8, plus 1 for each additional 3,
or fraction thereof, over 25
5

Advisory F240.2.1.2 Additional Number and Types.  Where a large play area includes two or more composite play structures designed for the same age group, the total number of elevated play components on all the composite play structures must be added to determine the additional number and types of ground level play components that must be provided on an accessible route.

F240.2.2 Elevated Play Components.  Where elevated play components are provided, at least 50 percent shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with 1008.4.

Advisory F240.2.2 Elevated Play Components.  A double or triple slide that is part of a composite play structure is one elevated play component. For purposes of this section, ramps, transfer systems, steps, decks, and roofs are not considered elevated play components.  Although socialization and pretend play can occur on these elements, they are not primarily intended for play.

Some play components that are attached to a composite play structure can be approached or exited at the ground level or above grade from a platform or deck.  For example, a climber attached to a composite play structure can be approached or exited at the ground level or above grade from a platform or deck on a composite play structure.  Play components that are attached to a composite play structure and can be approached from a platform or deck (e.g., climbers and overhead play components) are considered elevated play components.  These play components are not considered ground level play components and do not count toward the requirements in F240.2.1.2 regarding the number of ground level play components that must be located on an accessible route.

F241 Saunas and Steam Rooms

F241.1 General.  Where provided, saunas and steam rooms shall comply with 612.

EXCEPTION:  Where saunas or steam rooms are clustered at a single location, no more than 5 percent of the saunas and steam rooms, but no fewer than one, of each type in each cluster shall be required to comply with 612.

F242 Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, and Spas

F242.1 General.  Swimming pools, wading pools, and spas shall comply with F242.

F242.2 Swimming Pools.  At least two accessible means of entry shall be provided for swimming pools.  Accessible means of entry shall be swimming pool lifts complying with 1009.2; sloped entries complying with 1009.3; transfer walls complying with 1009.4; transfer systems complying with 1009.5; and pool stairs complying with 1009.6.  At least one accessible means of entry provided shall comply with 1009.2 or 1009.3.

EXCEPTIONS:  1.  Where a swimming pool has less than 300 linear feet (91 m) of swimming pool wall, no more than one accessible means of entry shall be required provided that the accessible means of entry is a swimming pool lift complying with 1009.2 or sloped entry complying with 1009.3.

2.  Wave action pools, leisure rivers, sand bottom pools, and other pools where user access is limited to one area shall not be required to provide more than one accessible means of entry provided that the accessible means of entry is a swimming pool lift complying with 1009.2, a sloped entry complying with 1009.3, or a transfer system complying with 1009.5.

3.  Catch pools shall not be required to provide an accessible means of entry provided that the catch pool edge is on an accessible route.

Advisory F242.2 Swimming Pools.  Where more than one means of access is provided into the water, it is recommended that the means be different.  Providing different means of access will better serve the varying needs of people with disabilities in getting into and out of a swimming pool.  It is also recommended that where two or more means of access are provided, they not be provided in the same location in the pool.  Different locations will provide increased options for entry and exit, especially in larger pools.

Advisory F242.2 Swimming Pools Exception 1.  Pool walls at diving areas and areas along pool walls where there is no pool entry because of landscaping or adjacent structures are to be counted when determining the number of accessible means of entry required.

F242.3 Wading Pools.  At least one accessible means of entry shall be provided for wading pools.  Accessible means of entry shall comply with sloped entries complying with 1009.3.

F242.4 Spas.  At least one accessible means of entry shall be provided for spas.  Accessible means of entry shall comply with swimming pool lifts complying with1009.2; transfer walls complying with 1009.4; or transfer systems complying with 1009.5.

EXCEPTION:  Where spas are provided in a cluster, no more than 5 percent, but no fewer than one, spa in each cluster shall be required to comply with F242.4.

F243 Shooting Facilities with Firing Positions

F243.1 General.  Where shooting facilities with firing positions are designed and constructed at a site, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of each type of firing position shall comply with 1010.

F244 Camping Facilities

F244.1 General.  Camping facilities, other than camping facilities on trails, shall comply with F244.

Advisory F244.1 General.  Camping facilities on trails are addressed in F247.4.1.

F244.2 Camping Units with Mobility Features.  Camping facilities shall provide camping units with mobility features complying with F244.2 in accordance with Table F244.2.  Where a camping facility provides different types of camping units, Table F244.2 shall apply to each type of camping unit provided.

Table F244.2 Camping Units with Mobility Features

Total Number of Camping Units Provided in Camping Facility Minimum Number of Camping Units with Mobility Features Required
1 1
2 to 25 2
26 to 50 3
51 to 75 4
76 to 100 5
101 to 150 7
151 to 200 8
201 and over 8, plus 2 percent of the number over 200

Advisory F244.2 Camping Units with Mobility Features.  Camping units for recreational vehicles only, camping units for tent camping only, and camping units with camp shelters are different types of camping units.

Camping units with mobility features are not required to be identified by signs.  Entities should provide information on the location of camping units with mobility features on websites, in brochures, and at bulletin boards or information kiosks at the camping facility.  Where entities operate reservation systems for camping units or assign camping units upon arrival, entities should establish policies to ensure that camping units with mobility features are available for individuals with disabilities until all the camping units are occupied.

F244.2.1 Alterations and Additions.  Where camping units are altered or added, the requirements of F244.2 shall apply only to the camping units that are altered or added until the number of camping units with mobility features complies with the minimum number required in Table 244.2.

EXCEPTION:  Where an entity is implementing a transition plan for program accessibility developed pursuant to regulations issued under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that designates specific camping units to provide mobility features complying with F244.2, the entity shall not be required to comply with F244.2 when altering individual elements within camping units that are not designated to provide mobility features complying with F244.2.

Advisory F244.2.1 Alterations and Additions Exception.  When all the elements within a camping unit are altered, the altered camping unit is required to comply with F244.2 unless the minimum number of camping units with mobility features required in Table 244.2 is provided.

F244.2.2 Dispersion.  Camping units required to provide mobility features complying with F244.2 shall provide choices of camping units comparable to, and integrated with, those available to others.

F244.2.3 Elements Within Camping Units with Mobility Features.  Elements within camping units required to provide mobility features shall comply with F244.2.3.

F244.2.3.1 Outdoor Constructed Features.  Where provided, at least one of each type of outdoor constructed features shall comply with 1011. Where more than one of the same type of outdoor constructed features is provided, at least two of the same type of outdoor constructed features shall comply with 1011.

F244.2.3.2 Parking Spaces.  Where provided, parking spaces shall comply with F244.2.3.2.

F244.2.3.2.1 Recreational Vehicles. Where parking spaces are provided for recreational vehicles, at least one parking space shall comply with 1012.2, 1012.4, and 1012.5. Where more than one parking space is provided for recreational vehicles, at least two parking spaces shall comply with 1012.2, 1012.4, and 1012.5.

F244.2.3.2.2 Vehicles Other Than Recreational Vehicles. Where parking spaces are provided for vehicles other than recreational vehicles, at least one parking space shall comply with 1012.3, 1012.4, and 1012.5. Where more than one parking space is provided for a vehicle other than a recreational vehicle, at least two parking spaces shall comply with 1012.3, 1012.4, and 1012.5.

F244.2.3.3 Tent Pads and Tent Platforms.  Where provided, at least one tent pad and tent platform shall comply with 1013. Where more than one tent pad and tent platform is provided, at least two tent pads and tent platforms shall comply with 1013.

F244.2.3.4 Camp Shelters.  Where provided, at least one camp shelter shall comply with 1014. Where more than one camp shelter is provided, at least two camp shelters shall comply with 1014.

F244.3 Outdoor Constructed Features in Common Use and Public Use Areas.  Where provided in common use and public use areas that serve camping units with mobility features, at least 20 percent, but not less than one, of each type of outdoor constructed feature provided at each location shall comply with 1011.

F244.4 Pull-up Spaces for Recreational Vehicles at Dump Stations.  Where provided, pull-up spaces for recreational vehicles at dump stations shall comply with 1012.2, 1012.4, and 1012.5.

F244.5 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.  Camping facilities shall provide outdoor recreation access routes complying with 1016 in accordance with F244.5.

Advisory F244.5 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.  In alterations to existing camping facilities, there are exceptions in 1016.1 that can be used where conditions specified in 1019 apply.

F244.5.1 Routes Within Camping Units with Mobility Features.  At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within camping units with mobility features.

F244.5.2 Routes to and Within Common Use and Public Use Areas.  Common use and public use areas serving camping units with mobility features shall provide outdoor recreation access routes in accordance with F244.5.2.

EXCEPTION:  Outdoor recreation access routes shall not be required to connect camping units with mobility features and recreational vehicle dump stations where a pull-up space complying with 1012.2, 1012.4, and 1012.5 is provided at the dump station for recreational vehicles.

F244.5.2.1 Routes to Common Use and Public Use Areas. At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect each camping unit with mobility features with common use and public use areas serving the unit.

F244.5.2.2 Routes Within Common Use and Public Use Areas. At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within common use and public use areas serving camping units with mobility features.

F244.5.3 Routes to Adjacent Recreation Facilities.  Where a circulation path connects camping facilities and adjacent recreation facilities, at least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect camping units with mobility features to an accessible route serving the adjacent recreation facilities.

Advisory F244.5.3 Routes to Adjacent Recreation Facilities.  F244.5.3 does not modify the accessible route requirements in F206 that apply to recreation facilities.

F244.5.4 Location. Outdoor recreation access routes required by F244.5.2 and F244.5.3 shall coincide with or be located in the same area as general circulation paths.

Advisory F244.5.4 Location.  Where a vehicular way serves as the general circulation path for pedestrians at a camping facility, the outdoor recreation access route can be provided within the vehicular way.

F245 Picnic Facilities

F245.1 General.  Picnic facilities, other than picnic facilities on trails, shall comply with F245.

Advisory F245.1 General.  Picnic facilities on trails are addressed in F247.4.2.

F245.2 Picnic Units with Mobility Features. Picnic facilities shall provide picnic units with mobility features in accordance with F245.2.

Advisory F245.2 Picnic Units with Mobility Features.  Picnic units with mobility features are not required to be identified by signs.  Entities should provide information on the location of picnic units with mobility features on websites, in brochures, and at bulletin boards or information kiosks at the picnic facility.

F245.2.1 Picnic Facilities with Two or Fewer Picnic Units.  Where picnic facilities contain two or fewer picnic units, each picnic unit shall provide mobility features complying with F245.2.

F245.2.2 Picnic Facilities with More Than Two Picnic Units.  Where picnic facilities contain more than two picnic units, at least 20 percent, but not less than two, of the picnic units shall provide mobility features complying with F245.2.

F245.2.3 Alterations and Additions.  Where picnic units are altered or added, the requirements of F245.2 shall apply only to the picnic units that are altered or added until the number of picnic units with mobility features complies with the minimum number required in F245.2.1 or F245.2.2.

EXCEPTION:  Where an entity is implementing a transition plan for program accessibility developed pursuant to regulations issued under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that designates specific picnic units to provide mobility features complying with F245.2, the entity shall not be required to comply with F245.2 when altering individual elements within picnic units that are not designated to provide mobility features complying with F245.2.

Advisory F245.2.3 Alterations and Additions Exception.  When all the elements within a picnic unit are altered, the altered picnic unit is required to comply with F245.2 unless the minimum number of picnic units with mobility features required in F245.2.1 or F245.2.2 is provided.

F245.2.4 Dispersion.  Picnic units required to provide mobility features complying with F245.2 shall provide choices of picnic units comparable to, and integrated with, those available to others.

F245.2.5 Elements Within Picnic Units with Mobility Features.  Elements within picnic units required to provide mobility features shall comply with F245.2.5.

F245.2.5.1 Outdoor Constructed Features.  Where provided, at least one of each type of outdoor constructed feature shall comply with 1011. Where more than one of the same type of outdoor constructed feature is provided, at least two of the same type of outdoor constructed features shall comply with 1011.

F245.2.5.2 Parking Spaces.  Where provided, at least one parking space shall comply with 1012.3, 1012.4, and 1012.5. Where more than one parking space is provided, at least two parking spaces shall comply with 1012.3, 1012.4, and 1012.5.

F245.3 Outdoor Constructed Features in Common Use and Public Use Areas.  Where provided in common use and public use areas that serve picnic units with mobility features, at least 20 percent, but not less than one, of each type of outdoor constructed feature provided at each location shall comply with 1011.

F245.4 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.  Picnic facilities shall provide outdoor recreation access routes complying with 1016 in accordance with F245.4.

Advisory F245.4.  Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.  In alterations to existing picnic facilities, there are exceptions in 1016.1 that can be used where conditions specified in 1019 apply.

F245.4.1 Routes Within Picnic Units with Mobility Features.  At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within picnic units with mobility features.

F245.4.2 Routes to and Within Common Use and Public Use Areas.  Common use and public use areas serving picnic units with mobility features shall provide outdoor recreation access routes in accordance with F245.4.2.

F245.4.2.1 Routes to Common Use and Public Use Areas. At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect each picnic unit with mobility features with common use and public use areas serving that unit.

F245.4.2.2 Routes Within Common Use and Public Use Areas. At least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within common use and public use areas serving picnic units with mobility features.

F245.4.3 Routes to Adjacent Recreation Facilities. Where a circulation path connects picnic facilities and adjacent recreation facilities, at least one outdoor recreation access route shall connect picnic units with mobility features to an accessible route serving the adjacent recreation facilities.

Advisory F245.4.3 Adjacent Recreation Facilities.  F245.4.3 does not modify the accessible route requirements in F206 that apply to adjacent recreation facilities.

F245.4.4 Location.  Outdoor recreation access routes required by F245.4.2 and F245.4.3 shall coincide with or be located in the same area as general circulation paths.

Advisory F245.4.4 Location.  Where a vehicular way serves as the general circulation path for pedestrians at a picnic facility, the outdoor recreation access route can be provided within the vehicular way.

F246 Viewing Areas

F246.1 General.  Viewing areas, other than viewing areas on trails, shall comply with F246.1.

Advisory F246.1 General.  Viewing areas on trails are addressed in F247.4.3.

F246.2 Distinct Viewing Locations.  Each distinct viewing location within a viewing area shall comply with 1015.

Advisory F246.2 Distinct Viewing Locations.  Viewing areas can provide more than one distinct viewing location.  For example, a viewing area can provide a distinct viewing location for observing a mountain range, and another distinct viewing location for observing a river.  Distinct viewing locations within a viewing area can be designated by signs or other markers.

F246.3 Outdoor Constructed Features.  Where provided within viewing areas, at least 20 percent, but not less than one, of each type of outdoor constructed feature shall comply with 1011.

F246.4 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.  At least one outdoor recreation access route complying with 1016 shall connect accessible parking spaces or other arrival points serving the viewing area with accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within the viewing area.

Advisory F246.4.  Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.  There are exceptions in 1016.1 that can be used where conditions specified in 1019 apply.

F247 Trails

F247.1 General. Where a trail is designed for use by hikers or pedestrians and directly connects to a trailhead or another trail that substantially meets the requirements in 1017, the trail shall comply with 1017.

Advisory F247.1 General.  The Federal Trail Data Standards classify trails by their designed use and managed use.  A trail has only one designed use that determines the design, construction, and maintenance parameters for the trail.  A trail can have more than one managed use based on a management decision to allow other uses on the trail. Trails that have a designed use for hikers or pedestrians are required to comply with 1017.  Trails that have a designed use for other than hikers or pedestrians are not required to comply with 1017.

A trail system may include a series of connecting trails. Only trails that directly connect to a trailhead or another trail that substantially meets the requirements in 1017 are required to comply with 1017.

F247.2 Existing Trails.  Where the original design, function, or purpose of an existing trail is changed and the altered portion of the trail directly connects to a trailhead or another trail that substantially meets the requirements in 1017, the altered portion of the trail shall comply with 1017.

Advisory F247.2 Existing Trails.  Routine or periodic maintenance activities that are performed to return an existing trail to the condition to which the trail was originally designed are not required to comply with 1017.

F247.3 Trailheads.  Trailheads shall comply with F247.3.

Advisory F247.3 Trailheads.  Trailhead information signs are addressed in F216.13.

F247.3.1 Outdoor Constructed Features.  Where provided within trailheads, at least 20 percent, but not less than one, of each type of outdoor constructed feature shall comply with 1011.

F247.3.2 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.  At least one outdoor recreation access route complying with 1016 shall connect the following:

1. Accessible parking spaces or other arrival points serving the trailhead; 
2. Starting point of the trail; and 
3. Accessible elements, spaces, and facilities provided within the trailhead.

Advisory F247.3.2 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes.  In alterations to existing trailheads, there are exceptions in 1016.1 that can be used where conditions specified in 1019 apply.

F247.4 Trail Facilities.  Where provided on trails, facilities shall comply with F247.4.

Advisory F247.4 Trail Facilities.  Facilities are required to comply with F247.4 regardless of whether the trail complies with 1017. Outdoor recreation access routes are not required at camping facilities, picnic facilities, or viewing areas provided on trails.

F247.4.1 Camping Facilities.  Camping facilities provided on trails shall comply with F244.2 and F244.3.

F247.4.2 Picnic Facilities.  Picnic facilities provided on trails shall comply with F245.2 and F245.3.

F247.4.3 Viewing Areas.  Viewing areas provided on trails shall comply with F246.2 and F246.3.

F247.4.4 Routes. Routes that connect trails complying with 1017 to camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, pit toilets, and accessible elements provided within the facilities shall comply with 1017.

Advisory F247.4.4. Routes. Routes that connect trails that do not comply with 1017 to camping facilities, picnic facilities, viewing areas, pit toilets, and accessible elements provided within the facilities are not required to comply with 1017. An exception to F213.1exempts pit toilets from the requirements for accessible toilet facilities.

F247.5 Outdoor Constructed Features.  Where outdoor constructed features are provided on trails, other than within facilities specified in F247.4, at least 20 percent, but not less than one, of each type of outdoor constructed feature at each location shall comply with 1011.

F248 Beach Access Routes

F248.1 General.  Beach access routes complying with 1018 shall be provided in accordance with F248.1.  Beach access routes shall be permanent or removable.

EXCEPTION:  Beach access routes shall not be required where pedestrian access to the beach is not permitted.

Advisory F248.1 General.  There are exceptions in 1018.1 that can be used where conditions specified in 1019 apply.  Removable beach access routes can be moved to a protected storage area during storms and other periods when the routes are subject to damage or loss.

F248.1.1 Facilities Serving Beaches.  Beach access routes shall be provided in a number complying with F248.2 where the entity that administers or manages a beach constructs or alters any of the following facilities to serve the beach:

1. Circulation paths;
2. Parking facilities;
3. Toilet facilities; or 
4. Bathing facilities. 

EXCEPTION:  The entity shall not be required to expend more than 20 percent of the costs of constructing or altering the facilities to provide beach access routes.

F248.1.2 Beach Nourishment.  Beach access routes shall be provided in a number complying with F248.2 where the entity that administers or manages a beach undertakes a beach nourishment project.

EXCEPTION:  The entity shall not be required to expend more than 20 percent of the costs of a beach nourishment project to provide beach access routes.

F248.2 Minimum Number.  Where beach access routes are required by F248.1, at least one beach access route shall be provided for each 1/2 mile (0.8 km) of beach shoreline administered or managed by the entity.

EXCEPTION:  The number of beach access routes shall not be required to exceed the number of pedestrian access points provided by the entity to a beach.

Advisory F248.2 Minimum Number Exception.  Pedestrian access points to a beach include parking facilities that serve beaches, dune crossings, and stairways or ramps leading from boardwalks to the beach.

F248.3 Location.  Beach access routes shall coincide with or be located in the same area as pedestrian access points to the beach.

 

Technical Assistance

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